Did I really hear this on CH4 News? Welfare spending is not out of control, disability spending is. Really?

[Jux]

That’s down to all us naughty people simply not getting better then. Me with MS, shocking I know. I’ll pull my socks up, Mr Paul Johnson.

You know, maybe a lot of people have forgotten that disability can happen to anyone at anytime and it’s not a choice. I know of someone accidentally mowed down in a car park. Life changing consequences. Also that severely disabled children don’t just stop existing at 18 and need long term provision. I’m talking about unable to work severity and more and more children who fit this category are living longer. Also we had an event 5 years ago that impacted the nations physical and mental health. But no, disabled people just need to sort themselves out and stop malingering.

Was it really couched like that? Rubbish if so. But lots of disability is actually people waiting for medical/surgical treatment and rehabilitation. Most people with mental illness would be thrilled to be well enough to go back to work and the rest of 'normal' life. And those with chronic conditions should be properly supported... Again lots want to be working but can't find decent employers who can be bothered making adjustments.

Yeah, I watched that interview too and thought the same. Paul Johnson is not neutral - the IFS is centre right anyway/ the market should be unfettered, blah, blah. He's got form for making these kind of unevidenced sweeping statements.
Cathy Newman should have challenged him.

Well, thank goodness I didn’t make it up! So relieved that you heard it too. Yes, she should have challenged him but interviewers never do these days. I think MPs refuse to go on if they’re going to be challenged and that the tv station has to promise not to.

Me tooNot trying hard enough to regrow my amputated hands and feet.