We are part of the millions of people in the UK who feel unrepresented by our government today.

Nearly 1 in 4 people in the UK are disabled, a quarter of our population, globally disabled people make up 15%. To have no disability minister is to undermine the representation deserved within Government for disabled people. At less than 2% presence in the Commons, the Disability Minister helps provide the vital representation needed. Ministers speak on behalf of the Government from the front-benches during parliamentary debates and must answer questions put to them by other MPs or members of the House of Lords. The Disability Minister is supposed to; deliver policy across Government, head the Disability Unit, plan and stratergise for the future working with the disabled community and support rights devolution.

The absence of a dedicated Disability Minister is a glaring omission, leaving us without an essential advocate within government. This role is not just symbolic; it has practical implications for policy-making and ensuring that our needs are considered in all aspects of governance.

According to Scope, a leading UK disability charity, there are 13.9 million disabled people in the UK. That's approximately one fifth of the population (Scope, 2021). Yet despite these numbers, we find ourselves without representation at ministerial level.

The reinstatement of this role would ensure that disability rights remain at the forefront of policy decisions and that those with disabilities have their voices heard within government circles.

We are also calling to ensure that as well as making The Minister of State for Disabled People a permanent ministerial position, that the role is at least seniority of being a Minister of State, and is not downgraded to Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.

We need your help to make this change happen. Please sign this petition urging the UK Government to reinstate the Disability Minister's role and give us back our voice in governance.