Over 100 public figures – including some of the UK’s most well-known disabled and non-disabled celebrities – have signed a letter calling on Keir Starmer to scrap planned PIP cuts. The letter, addressed to the Prime Minister and Labour leadership, brands the proposed changes “inhumane” and warns of devastating consequences for disabled people and their families.

So, what exactly are these PIP cuts? Why has this sparked such an outcry? And who’s behind the letter?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is PIP and What’s Changing?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a disability benefit that helps people with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. It’s supposed to support people whether they’re in work or not.

But the government wants to change how PIP works – big time. Under the new proposals, they’re looking to tighten eligibility rules, scrap cash payments in some cases, and potentially replace support with vouchers or one-off grants. The plan is part of a wider push to cut £5 billion from the welfare budget.

Many disabled people are already struggling to cover basic costs – rent, food, heating, transport to medical appointments. Cutting PIP means pulling away a lifeline.

Who Signed the Letter – and What Did it Say?

The letter has been signed by a huge number of well-known names, including:

Stephen Fry
Stanley Tucci
Rosie Jones
Brian Cox
Ruth Madeley
And over 100 more actors, comedians, writers, and campaigners.

In it, they say the planned PIP cuts “will cause avoidable suffering, poverty and even deaths.” They describe the cuts as “inhumane and immoral,” especially at a time when disabled people already face systemic barriers in everything from housing to employment.

They’ve warned that slashing PIP support would also push more people into crisis services – including food banks and A&E – and pile pressure on unpaid carers.

“Parents Will Skip Meals to Feed Their Kids”

Here are some of the stark quotes from the signatories:

Stanley Tucci: “These cuts will force parents in disabled families to skip meals so that they can feed their children.”
Rosie Jones: “Disabled people are scared of what the future holds. PIP is already not enough to cover life’s essentials – and now they want to cut it even further?”

Campaigners say this isn’t just a tweak to the system – it’s one of the biggest attacks on the welfare state in a generation.

Why is Keir Starmer Involved?

While the letter was originally directed at the Conservative government, campaigners now want Labour to take a clear stand against the planned changes.

Right now, Labour hasn’t ruled out continuing with the cuts if they win the next election. That’s what’s got people worried – especially as the party hasn’t published a disability plan or made clear commitments on benefits like PIP.

More than 40 Labour MPs have already signed a separate letter asking their own leadership to backtrack. They’re calling this a “moral red line.”

Will This Letter Make a Difference?

We hope so – and the public pressure is mounting. A growing grassroots movement called #TakingThePIP is pushing back hard. There’s also a fast-growing petition calling for the cuts to be scrapped – thousands have already signed.

At Purpl, we know just how vital PIP can be. Whether it’s helping with daily care, travel, independence, or just getting by – this support is often the difference between surviving and thriving.

What You Can Do

Sign the petition: Stop the PIP Cuts
Share the open letter on your socials
Use the hashtag #TakingThePIP
Talk to your MP – especially if they’re Labour

This isn’t just about policy, it’s about people. Real lives. Real impact. And it’s time we made it clear: cutting PIP isn’t reform. It’s harm. And it needs to stop.

Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.

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