A former RAF pilot who was left permanently disabled after a training accident has spoken out against Labour’s proposed welfare cuts, warning that the changes could “ruin” his life and leave veterans like him in a desperate situation.
Ian Hewitt, who was medically discharged from the RAF in 2003 after suffering a spinal injury during training, now battles paralysis, seizures, and chronic pain daily. The 47-year-old father-of-four, who relies on crutches to walk, is one of the 800,000 Britons at risk of losing vital benefits under proposed reforms to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) by Sir Keir Starmer’s party.
The changes could mean disabled veterans like Hewitt lose an average of £4,500 a year. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Hewitt said, “I’m struggling, in constant pain, relying on morphine every day just to exist. PIP is my independence – it allows me to use a taxi to get to my hospital appointments.”
He added, “Being disabled is expensive. That extra £20 might seem small to others, but for us, it’s massive.”
But the potential cuts don’t just affect Hewitt. His wife, who is his full-time carer, could lose her carer’s allowance, which would force her to return to work. He warned, “The impact would be enormous. She won’t be able to care for me, and we’d be left in a perilous position.”
Hewitt’s message comes as the government moves forward with cuts aimed at saving £5 billion, with changes to PIP eligibility and an increase in reassessments. Those who cannot carry out basic daily tasks unaided would face the biggest reductions in support. Experts warn that up to 1.2 million people could lose up to £6,300 per year by 2029.
Labour’s plans have sparked concern, especially among veterans who may be hardest hit. Actor Antony Cotton, an ambassador for military charities SSAFA and Help For Heroes, also voiced his alarm, stressing that veterans deserve better. “We should treat these people better,” he said. “Our armed forces community is the backbone of society, and we need to show them respect and dignity.”
The government’s move to tighten PIP eligibility follows growing concerns over the increasing costs of disability benefits. However, critics argue that the cuts will only add to the suffering of the most vulnerable. Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell has described the changes as “immense suffering,” echoing fears that disabled individuals will be left without the vital support they need.
As the debate over welfare cuts intensifies, veterans like Ian Hewitt remain at the heart of the conversation, calling on the government to reconsider its approach to those who have already sacrificed so much.
