1 February 2022

What: Disabled Labour MP Marsha de Cordova secures a House of Commons debate on disability benefits assessments and calls for an inquiry into deaths linked to DWP after telling fellow MPs that the consequences of the ‘failing’ assessment systems for PIP and ESA were ‘devastating’. She is joined in her call for an inquiry by Labour’s Debbie Abrahams, who has led calls in the Commons for a public inquiry. In her response to the debate, Chloe Smith, the minister for disabled people, makes no mention of De Cordova’s call for an inquiry.

Why significant: Another minister dismisses or ignores calls for an inquiry.