Next week sees 2 disabled people take on the government in a judicial review (1) on the grounds that the process is not accessible for people with mental health conditions.
On 15th, 16th & 18th of January lawyers for 2 members of the mental health resistance network (2) will be in the administrative high court, the division of the royal courts of justice (3) which handles judicial reviews , in London.
On 15th, 16th & 18th of January lawyers for 2 members of the mental health resistance network (2) will be in the administrative high court, the division of the royal courts of justice (3) which handles judicial reviews , in London.
The DWP introduced WCAs to assess disabled people for eligibility for disability benefits. Despite criticism from MPs, (4) the British Medical Association (5) and campaigners, this policy rumbles on.
Dozens of disabled people are dying every week (6) following assessment. nearly 40% (7) of those who appeal the decision to remove benefits, have the decision overturned, meaning thousands of people are wrongly being put through a traumatic and harrowing experience needlessly. The governments own appointed assessor of the policy has ruled it ‘unfit for purpose’ .
This isn’t good enough. This would not be acceptable in any other government contract, yet goes without comment or sanction by this government. No-one is called to account, no-one takes responsibility.
DPAC and MHRN call on ALL activists and supporters to join them in a vigil outside the court to show your support for those taking the case, and your disgust at this shameful and harmful policy.
Action is :
Weds 16th January @ 12pm
Royal courts of justice, the strand, London wc2a 2ll.
Send a strong, clear signal to those who make the decisions.
We are NOT going away, we are not backing down. There is no hiding place.
We will fight you in parliament, on the streets and in the courts!
ENDS
p.s send messages of support to Mentalhealthresistance@lists.aktivix.org or mail@dpac.uk.net
1.http://atosvictimsgroup.co.uk/2012/07/26/judicial-review-of-work-capability-assessment-granted/
2. mentalhealthresistance.org
3. http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/rcj-rolls-building/administrative-court
4. http://www.disabilitywales.org/1168/3817
5. http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/gps-vote-to-end-the-atos-farce/
6. http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/investigations/2012/04/32-die-a-week-after-failing-in.html
7. http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_20120817
