1 May 2012

Scottish GP tells Scottish parliament that the death of Paul Reekie was caused by the UK government’s welfare reforms.

What: Dr Stephen Carty, a Leith GP and member of Black Triangle, tells the Scottish parliament’s welfare reform committee that Paul Reekie had been driven to suicide by the UK government’s welfare reforms. He says that letters informing Reekie that his incapacity and housing benefits would be stopped were used as a suicide note.

Why significant: Shows members of the Scottish parliament being alerted to the risks and harm created by the UK government’s welfare reforms, particularly the incapacity benefit reassessment process.