Minister's remark on disabilities sparks viewer backlash

Fans of BBC Breakfast expressed anger after a remark made by Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Disabled People. He used the term "less severely impaired" during a discussion about the government's plans to cut £5 billion from the welfare budget. Viewers were upset by his choice of words, seeing it as insensitive. One viewer commented that defining "less severely impaired" seemed complicated and the phrasing felt inappropriate. Others expressed concern for those struggling to make ends meet, questioning the impact of these cuts. Sir Stephen's remarks came as part of an interview where he discussed the potential effects of proposed welfare system changes. He feared that these changes could push some disabled individuals further into poverty. The government plans to reassess sick and disabled benefit claimants more frequently as part of a broader savings strategy. However, those with permanent conditions might not face these reassessments. Meanwhile, the main disability benefit, Personal Independent Payments (PIP), will become harder to claim, requiring recipients to show more significant difficulties with daily tasks. Labour MPs have voiced their discomfort with the cuts, with some warning that the changes could lead disabled people into severe financial hardship.