My name is anonymous. I rely on sickness benefits due to mental and physical health conditions that prevent me from working. The government changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and disability benefits threaten my livelihood and risk plunging me into poverty. These aren't just faceless policies; these changes affect real people, like me.

More than 20% of the UK population live with a disability, and PIP serves as a critical support system for many. Since its introduction in 2013, PIP has received criticism for its stringent assessment criteria, leading to 75% of denied claims being overturned on appeal (source: Independent, February 2019). Amending this system, rather than rectifying its flaws, can further complicate an already contentious process, bringing unnecessary hardship to those in need.

The consequences of these changes are double-edged: they jeopardise not only the recipients but also cost taxpayers more in the long run. According to the Department for Work and Pensions, the cost of appeals against PIP decisions totalled £26m in 2017 - a figure that can escalate with these changes (source: BBC, January 2018).

We urge the government to consider the real-life impacts of decisions made in Whitehall. We ask the decision-makers to alleviate, not exacerbate, the trials faced by the disabled community. It's time we treat all citizens with the empathy they deserve and re-evaluate these changes. We plead for your signature to deliver the message loud and clear.