Key Takeaways
- Tressa Burke, CEO of Glasgow Disability Alliance, declined an MBE due to the UK government’s treatment of people with disabilities
- The UK government’s policies and budget have "supercharged the inequalities and unfairness disabled people face"
- Burke argues that the government’s "negative framing" of disability is fuelling hatred, blame, and scapegoating of people with disabilities
- The Scottish government’s new disability equality plan and upcoming Holyrood elections will be closely watched by Burke and her members
- Burke emphasizes the importance of collective action and community in improving the lives of people with disabilities
Introduction to the Issue
The head of one of Scotland’s foremost disability rights charities, Tressa Burke, has made a bold statement by declining an MBE in the recent new year honours. Burke, who is the chief executive officer of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, was recommended for the honour by the prime minister for her services to people with disabilities. However, she felt that she could not accept the award due to the UK government’s treatment of people with disabilities. Over the past two decades, Burke has grown the Glasgow Disability Alliance into a nationally recognized voice for disabled people in Scotland’s largest city, supporting over 5,000 members through the pandemic.
The Reason for Declining the Honour
In her letter declining the proposed award, Burke expressed her concerns about the UK government’s policies and their impact on people with disabilities. She stated that the government’s budget, which introduced stricter assessments for personal independent payments, frozen or reduced universal credit health top-ups, and cuts to the Motability scheme, has "supercharged the inequalities and unfairness disabled people face". Burke argued that the budget was an opportunity to send a signal about the value and worth of disabled people in society, but instead, it has fuelled misinformation, hatred, and scapegoating. She emphasized that the biggest problem is not the cost of supporting disabled people, but rather the need to address taxation and ensure that the most wealthy people contribute to the provision of a welfare state.
The Negative Framing of Disability
Burke also challenged the government’s "negative framing" of disability, which she says is happening at the same time as growing attacks by the far right about the entitlements of disabled people. She argued that this negative framing is fuelling hatred, blame, and scapegoating of people with disabilities. Burke emphasized that Scotland is doing better than the UK in terms of disability rights, but her members will be watching carefully for the practical implementation of the Scottish government’s new disability equality plan, as well as what manifesto commitments are made before May’s Holyrood elections.
The Importance of Collective Action
Burke also expressed her concerns about the individualization of achievements, emphasizing that the Glasgow Disability Alliance’s success is due to the collective efforts of its members, staff, and board. She argued that the organization’s twin pillars of supporting people at an individual level and building their collective voice to influence policy and services are crucial to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Burke emphasized that she is most proud of the "people power" of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, which has created a sense of community and belonging for thousands of people. The peer support, friendships, and sense of family that have developed among members are a testament to the importance of collective action and community in improving the lives of people with disabilities.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, Tressa Burke’s decision to decline an MBE is a powerful statement about the UK government’s treatment of people with disabilities. Her arguments about the negative framing of disability and the need for collective action to improve the lives of people with disabilities are compelling and timely. As the Scottish government’s new disability equality plan is implemented and the Holyrood elections approach, Burke and her members will be watching closely to ensure that the rights and needs of people with disabilities are prioritized. The Glasgow Disability Alliance’s model of collective action and community-building offers a powerful example of how people with disabilities can work together to improve their lives and challenge the systemic barriers that they face.
