DPAC Northern Ireland at Westminster Mass Lobby Against Welfare Cuts

On Wednesday 21st May 2025, disability rights campaigner Dermot Devlin travelled from Northern Ireland to Westminster to represent Disabled People Against Cuts Northern Ireland (DPAC NI) at the national Mass Lobby against the government’s proposed welfare reforms.

Over 100 Deaf and disabled people from across the UK gathered in Parliament to send a powerful message: we will not stay silent as our rights, dignity and support are stripped away.

Dermot met briefly with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Pat Cullen in an informal two-minute exchange. While disappointed at the short time allocated, Dermot made sure to raise key points about the real-life harm the Green Paper proposals will cause. Both O’Neill and Cullen agreed to more in-depth discussions, alongside West Tyrone MP Órfhlaith Begley, in the near future.

A more substantial and productive 20-minute meeting was held with Niamh McCourt, Alliance Party representative at Westminster. Dermot welcomed the opportunity for detailed conversation and found the discussion constructive and encouraging.

The lobby also provided a platform for media engagement. Dermot was interviewed by John Pring of Disability News Service and comedian and political commentator Nish Kumar from Pod Save The UK, helping to amplify the voices and concerns of disabled people to wider audiences.

Travelling to Westminster was no easy feat for Dermot, who faced considerable medical hurdles due to his respiratory condition. He underwent painful and invasive Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) testing and flight simulation assessments before receiving medical clearance to fly. “It was physically brutal,” he said, “but I did it because this issue is too important not to.”

Seeing more than 100 disabled people united in one space, demanding action, was a moving and powerful sight. It sent a clear visual and political statement: disabled people are watching, organising, and fighting back.

The struggle is far from over, but events like this show the strength and solidarity of our community. DPAC Northern Ireland will continue to challenge injustice — on the streets, in Parliament, and across every platform we can access.