The chief executive of a leading Scottish disability charity has publicly refused an MBE, accusing the UK government of "fuelling hatred, blame and scapegoating" of disabled people.
A Principle Over a Personal Honour
Tressa Burke, who has led the Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) for nearly two decades, was recommended for the award by the Prime Minister for her services. However, in a letter to the Cabinet Office seen by the Guardian, she explained her decision to decline.
Burke stated she felt she "cannot accept a personal honour because disabled people are being so dishonoured at this time." She elaborated that disabled communities are being "demonised, dehumanised and scapegoated for political choices and policy failures by consecutive governments."
She was careful to express respect for colleagues in the voluntary sector who have accepted similar honours, framing her choice as a personal stand against current political rhetoric.
Budget Day Decision Highlights Policy Grievances
Burke revealed she received the recommendation letter on the day of the UK budget, which she described as a catalyst for her refusal. She highlighted policies from that budget, including stricter assessments for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), frozen or reduced Universal Credit health top-ups, and cuts to the Motability scheme.
"The budget was an opportunity to send out a signal not about how much disabled people cost but about how much disabled people are worth and are valued by society," Burke argued. Instead, she believes it has "supercharged the inequalities and unfairness disabled people face."
She connected government policy to a wider social problem, stating it fuels misinformation, hatred, and blame. Burke contends the real issue is taxation, suggesting that if the wealthiest contributed more fairly, a robust welfare state could be maintained.
Collective Achievement Over Individual Recognition
Beyond political protest, Burke also declined the award because she felt it "individualised" the work of the GDA. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown from its beginnings to support over 5,000 members, becoming a nationally recognised voice.
"Ultimately I am most proud of the people power of GDA – the board, the staff and the members – all disabled people working together," she said. She cited the peer support, friendships, and even marriages that have sprung from the alliance, calling it a "sense of community and belonging... like being part of a family for thousands of people."
While acknowledging that "Scotland is doing better than the UK for sure," Burke said her members will be watching the Scottish government's implementation of its new disability equality plan and manifesto commitments ahead of May's Holyrood elections.
Her refusal stands as a stark critique of current political discourse surrounding disability and welfare in the UK.
