Neurodivergent Labour wrote to all candidates for Deputy Leader (and Leader) of the Labour Party, asking them to confirm:
– that they endorse our Manifesto and commit to Labour implementing it in government
– that they will engage with Neurodivergent Labour (the newly-formed representative organisation of neurodivergent Labour Party members) on issues concerning neurodiversity.
You can read the replies from Deputy Leader candidates here, posted in the order in which we received them. If a candidate is not mentioned here, then s/he has not replied.
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1. From Angela Rayner
1. that you endorse our Manifesto and commit to Labour implementing it in government
I think the Labour Party Autism and Neurodiversity Manifesto is excellent. As the party of equality, should be championing neurodiversity and making sure everyone can participate everywhere in the Labour family. The manifesto sets out clearly that cuts to services made by the Tories was a political choice; it makes the case for real action led by members of the neurodiverse community alongside MPs and Labour leaders to oppose these cuts. I wholly support Labour implementing the manifesto when we get into government and I commit to loudly championing it whilst in opposition.
2. that you will engage with Neurodivergent Labour (the newly-formed representative organisation of neurodivergent Labour Party members) on issues concerning neurodiversity.
Engaging with Neurodivergent Labour on policy issues and other issues concerning neurodiversity is something I would be proud to do. As Deputy Leader, I want to be the voice of the members around the Shadow Cabinet table and I hope that ordinary members, including those in the neurodiverse community, will know that they can talk to me, write to me and come up and say hello at conference. I also want people to know that I’m committed to making sure our expert members, those people who live the lives we make policy to change, are consulted as we build and shape our manifesto in the future and that includes those in the neurodiverse community.
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2. From Ian Murray
That you endorse our Manifesto and commit to Labour implementing it in government
I am proud to have already signed up in support of Neurodivergent Labour’s Autism and Neurodiversity Manifesto last year.
I believe we must first make the Labour Party a more accessible environment for people, before going into government with clear plans to transform society for everyone. The Tories’ austerity program has gutted services, adult social care and education provision, and the Labour Party must continue to fight for better, targeted investment to take into the next election. We must also do much more in educating politicians, policy makers and the public on the issues presented within the Autism and Neurodiversity manifesto; as Deputy Leader I would ensure that the voices of autistic and neurodiverse people are heard in our policy making.
That you will engage with Neurodivergent Labour (the newly-formed representative organisation of neurodivergent Labour Party members) on issues concerning neurodiversity.
Yes.
As Deputy Leader, I would ensure that we regularly involved Neurodivergent Labour in the conversations and debates that lead to the creation of the manifesto as well as general policy making, and I would work with the group to ensure that the Labour Party becomes a more accessible party for all. The most effective way of ensuring our decisions and directions are well informed is by engaging with representative organisations who are frankly best placed to know what aspects work well, and where we need to step up and improve.
3. Dawn Butler
I believe that neurodiversity is a hugely important issue and more must be done to support neurodivergent people to live full and independent lives on their terms.
I see from my own advice surgeries that public services are ill equipped to support neurodivergent people from education, welfare, workplaces and more. I support the Neurodivergent Labour manifesto and your call for neurodiversity to be accepted and for public services better configured to support you.
I believe that DWP work capability assessments are not fit for purpose because of a lack of understanding, on the part of assessors and the DWP, as to the specifics of neurodiversity. This often forces neurodivergent people through mandatory reconsideration and lengthy lower and upper tier tribunal appeals. They must do this too without legal support due to Tory cuts to legal aid.
I see first-hand families struggling to support neurodivergent children, such as with autism or ADHD, through the education system. Inclusion is vital and these children have the right to stay within mainstream education. However so often schools lack resources to meet their needs and adopt a one-size fits all approach; this leads to parents keeping children outside of school.
Furthermore, I regularly see families in my constituency struggling to navigate the challenging process of getting an Education, Health & Social Care Plan (EHCP) in place with the Local Authority.
This is unacceptable.
As the Shadow Minister for Women & Equalities, I have pledged that Labour will equality proof all legislation to ensure vulnerable people are never negatively impacted.
We cannot however tackle these issues without a Labour government.
I will be a campaigning Deputy Leader ensuring we prepare our party for power. I will ensure we have Organisers working at the heart of communities from the South-West to Scotland and am determined this be the last time we lose.
I will ensure all members have the resources they need to lead the fightback.
I also believe the Leader and Deputy must work together to deliver a Labour government. I have served under two Labour Prime Minister’s and proudly served in the Shadow Cabinet. I never have, and never will be part of a coup because divided parties do not win elections. I understand the pressures of being in government as the first elected black woman in the UK to be a Minister. That inclusivity and experience is vital in Labour’s top team.
As Deputy Leader, I will ensure we have the right strategy, vision and plan to prepare for power and am committed to working with Neurodivergent Labour to deliver a Labour government.
