Labour Cause Huge Concern for Disabled

Maximus the "Kill Yourself" Company Co- Hosted Event at Labour's Conference - Liz Kendall Attended - Causing Huge Concern Among Disability Campaigners

The aftermath of Labour’s recent conference continues to ripple through the political landscape, raising significant concerns about the party's commitment to meaningful change—particularly regarding policies affecting the disabled and long-term sick. At the heart of this disquiet is Liz Kendall, a prominent figure within the party, whose recent actions have cast doubt on Labour’s promise to break from past failures.

Kendall, known for her Blairite leanings, made headlines at the conference not only for her participation but also for the company she kept. Her involvement in a fringe event titled "The Future of Work" has sparked widespread alarm. 

The event was co-hosted by the Fabian Society, which claims socialist roots yet aligns closely with the right of cente inclinations of Keir Starmer and Kendall herself. More concerning, however, was the participation of Maximus—a controversial US healthcare company with a troubling history in the UK.

For over a decade, Maximus has been embroiled in the administration of the Work Capability Assessment under contracts outsourced by the Tories. Their involvement has been marred by multiple scandals, most notably the 2017 "Kill Yourself Scandal," where vulnerable claimants were shockingly asked why they hadn’t taken their own lives. This is emblematic of the harsh and often fatal consequences of their practices, which have included a punitive sanctions regime.

The fact that Labour, supposedly a beacon of change, is associating with Maximus raises serious red flags. Despite ongoing contracts with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Maximus remains a symbol of the systemic failures that have plagued disability assessments, contributing to untold suffering and loss.

At the fringe event, Disability News Service questioned Kendall on whether Maximus was an appropriate partner for discussions about the future of work. Instead of addressing the issue directly, Andrew Harrop of the Fabian Society deflected the question to Maximus UK President Dr. Paul Williams, whose vague response did little to allay fears.

Disabled activists nationwide are united in their call for Maximus to be ousted from future contracts. Yet, Labour’s association with them suggests a continuation of the status quo, not the transformative change promised. Kendall’s silence and unwillingness to distance herself from such entities only deepen the concerns.

As Labour positions itself as a government of change, it must confront these issues head-on. The disabled and long-term sick deserve policies that prioritise their dignity and well-being, not partnerships with companies that have profited from their vulnerability.

Liz Kendall and the Labour leadership have pressing questions to answer. If they are truly committed to change, they must demonstrate it by severing ties with organisations like Maximus and fostering policies that reflect a compassionate and just society. 

The next five years should be a time of hope and progress, not a continuation of past mistakes.