MS Research 2026

Introduction

In 2025 the claimed increased interest in the opinions of service-users by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was demonstrated by virtual ‘round table’ meetings with various representatives of disabled service-users, chaired by the DWP Chief Medical Advisor Dr Gail Allsopp, who preferred private virtual meetings with me. To date, there has been no evidence that Dr Allsopp accepted any commentary, as identified by her DWP reports demonstrating nothing has changed in DWP attitudes, nor has the DWP Chief Medical Advisor identified with any evidence of DWP preventable harm which has been provided.

These meetings are expected to continue in 2026 as the DWP ‘goes through the motions’ of consulting disabled service-users whilst demonstrating via continued hostile commentary by the latest DWP Secretary of State, Pat McFadden MP, that it is another attempt to manipulate public opinion.

I started the New Year as I intend to continue, by being a constant thorn in the side of DWP representatives. Letters to Dr Gail Allsopp and to the Director of the Work and Health Initiative, Lorraine Jackson, were both copied to significant people and sent on 6 January. It is very unlikely they will receive a reply. …