ME Foggy Dog expresses profound concern and strong disapproval regarding the recently passed Welfare Bill. Let us be clear: this legislation, and indeed the entire welfare “reform” agenda, is demonstrably not about genuine reform, but about implementing severe cuts to vital support for chronically ill and disabled individuals. This process has been deeply problematic, demonstrating a significant lack of understanding and disregard for individuals living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and other fluctuating chronic illnesses.
A critical failing has been the absence of meaningful consultation with representative organisations such as ours, and more importantly, with individuals directly affected by these conditions. This oversight is unacceptable and has resulted in legislation that fundamentally 
misunderstands the realities of chronic illness, crafted, we believe, with the primary aim of reducing expenditure.
The standard of Parliamentary debate and scrutiny afforded to this Bill was notably poor, appearing rushed and lacking the rigorous examination necessary for such impactful legislation, particularly one so clearly focused on reducing welfare spending.
We have multiple and significant concerns. The proposed application of “constantly” within Work Capability Assessments (WCAs) remains deeply troubling for individuals with M.E. As a fluctuating condition, M.E. presents with symptoms that can vary dramatically day-to-day, or even within hours. To require a “constant” level of impairment for support eligibility fundamentally disregards the nature of this illness, and despite recent concessions, we believe these changes will not adequately address the inherent unpredictability of fluctuating conditions. The clarification provided by Stephen Timms MP at the dispatch box yesterday did not alleviate our concerns regarding the practical implementation and its impact on those with variable symptoms; it merely confirmed the narrow scope of what little “flexibility” might be considered, which falls far short of what is needed. This approach is designed to limit eligibility, not to genuinely assess need.
Furthermore, the intention to exclusively accept NHS diagnoses in future is a grave concern. Due to significant deficiencies and underfunding within the NHS, many individuals with M.E. and other chronic illnesses are compelled to seek private diagnoses and treatment. To invalidate these diagnoses, solely because the NHS cannot provide timely or adequate services, is a punitive and short-sighted policy that will deny crucial support to countless individuals. This Bill, which is fundamentally a cost-cutting exercise, demonstrably fails chronically ill people by erecting further barriers to essential support.
We also vehemently oppose the misleading and damaging narrative consistently promoted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). We formally raised these concerns with our MP, Stephen Morgan, 6 months ago. This rhetoric has fostered a narrative that portrays disabled people as disingenuous or unwilling to work, exemplified by Liz Kendall’s assertion of disabled people “taking the mickey.” Such generalisations are deeply offensive and irresponsible, and clearly serve to justify the proposed cuts.
Moreover, the figures cited for disability fraud and benefit overpayments have been grossly inflated to bolster this harmful narrative. This practice is not only deceptive but actively contributes to the stigmatisation of disabled individuals. It is unacceptable to unjustly blame vulnerable members of society for broader economic challenges through such dishonest means, all to pave the way for deeper welfare cuts.
ME Foggy Dog will continue to rigorously advocate for the rights and needs of people living with M.E. We urge the Government to genuinely engage with lived experience, reverse the injustices embedded within this Bill, and abandon the harmful rhetoric that unfairly targets disabled people to justify its agenda of austerity and cuts.
ME Foggy Dog
(Sally and Foggy…obviously)