Bravery Over Honor: Disability Rights Leader Rejects MBE to Protest Government's Failing Policies

Tressa Burke, the head of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, has made headlines by rejecting an MBE from the New Year Honours in a powerful statement condemning the UK government’s treatment of disabled people. She expressed her decision to turn down the honour as a response to the ‘simply intolerable’ conditions faced by disabled individuals in the country, especially in light of recent budget cuts to essential programs like the Motability scheme.

In a heartfelt letter to the Cabinet Office, Burke highlighted her distress over the recent policy changes announced during November’s Budget by the Chancellor, which she believed further marginalized and criminalized disabled people. According to Burke, many disabled citizens are currently living in fear, struggling to manage basic living expenses and heating costs amidst escalating financial pressures. She articulated her conviction that it felt wrong to accept a personal accolade while her community is experiencing deepening inequality and injustice.

Burke described the government’s policies as a missed opportunity to invest in crucial services for disabled individuals, emphasizing not only inadequately supported benefits but also the backdoor taxation impacting social care. Despite acknowledging some positive aspects of the budget, such as increased disability benefits and the lifting of the two-child benefit cap, she stressed that these improvements did not compensate for the severe draconian measures in place that lead to further poverty and depravity among disabled people.

She raised concerns over stricter assessments for Personal Independent Payments, arguing that while funding for children’s social services increased, there was no equivalent support for adult social care, further burdening the already stretched NHS. After sharing her criticisms, Burke received a formal response from the Cabinet Office thanking her for her input, but ultimately confirming that her name would not be included in the Honours List due to her expressed wishes.

Through this bold move, Burke not only highlights the challenges facing disabled citizens in modern society but also calls for greater accountability from the government to ensure that the rights and dignity of the disabled community are truly honored.