View from V2 Radio - Disabled people are not a burden on society - By V2 Radio's News Editor Philip Keeler

I recently came across a thought-provoking and deeply emotional Channel 4 documentary that left me feeling both angry and concerned about the direction of political debate surrounding disabled people in Britain.

The programme, The Experiment, asks a disturbing question: could ordinary people be persuaded to accept cruel treatment of disabled people if it were presented as care, independence or simply a way of saving taxpayers' money?

Using a fictional supported-living facility, the documentary explores how ideas associated with the treatment of disabled people in Nazi Germany could be repackaged in language that sounds reasonable, even compassionate.

It's uncomfortable viewing, but that's precisely why I believe people should watch it.

I was born with Spina Bifida, while my husband Thomas has Cerebral Palsy. We both work, contribute to society and are fortunate enough to receive support when we need it.

But our value as human beings should never depend on whether we can work, how much we earn or how much assistance we require.

Disabled people are not financial burdens. We are intelligent, creative, hardworking individuals, neighbours, friends and family members. Some of us need additional support to live independently, and there should be absolutely no shame in that.

What worries me is how easily political discussions can turn disabled people into statistics, reducing our lives to benefit payments and government spending.

Of course, public finances matter. But balancing the books should never mean portraying vulnerable people as responsible for Britain's economic difficulties.

History teaches us what can happen when certain groups are repeatedly described as costly, dependent or less valuable than others.

I'm not suggesting today's Britain is Nazi Germany. But history should remind us to recognise and challenge language that strips people of their dignity.

We should be building a society where disabled people have greater opportunities, stronger rights and access to the practical support they need.

Nobody should have to justify their existence through their economic contribution.

I would encourage everyone, whatever their political views, to watch The Experiment on Channel 4.

Watch it, reflect on its message and make up your own mind.

Because the way we treat disabled people says an enormous amount about the kind of society we want to become.

Listen to Philip Keeler reading the local news on V2 Radio across the South on DAB, via smart speaker and through the V2 Radio app.