Reform UK’s proposal to eliminate the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for individuals with anxiety has been criticized as “cruel, heartless, and reprehensible.” The party, led by Nigel Farage, announced this plan during a press conference in London, also outlining intentions for more frequent assessments for eligible claimants.
The party aims to overhaul the welfare system, advocating for in-person assessments and implementing a “fast track to work” program for those losing their benefits. However, discrepancies arose during the press conference when it was revealed that while Reform UK promised all assessments would be face-to-face, their policy document contradicted this by stating that only a “vast majority” would be conducted in person.
Zia Yusuf, the party’s policy leader, pledged substantial savings through benefit reforms, estimating £9 billion annually by 2029. Despite stating that the removal of PIP would only apply to “non-serious” anxiety disorders, the party struggled to define this category when pressed by journalists.
Critics, including Labour MP Jon Trickett, have condemned the proposal as targeting vulnerable populations. Mental health charity Mind’s Tom Pollard highlighted the misunderstanding of how PIP operates, emphasizing the importance of financial support for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
Disability charity Sense described PIP as a crucial lifeline for disabled individuals, noting concerns about the dignity and understanding provided during benefit assessments. Meanwhile, Labour MP Debbie Abrahams stressed the need for a compassionate approach, warning of the potential dire consequences of withdrawing support.
Reform UK’s welfare spokesman, Lee Anderson, promoted a return to work as the best remedy for individuals, drawing from personal experiences to support this stance. The party’s initiatives come in the wake of Labour’s abandoned attempts to limit PIP eligibility earlier in the year, leading to a government review of the benefit expected to conclude in autumn 2026.