Simple, one-fits-all solutions to disability inclusion in the House of Commons are ineffective and can compound issues facing disabled politicians, report warns

The increasingly complex and wide-ranging role of MPs, and the weight of expectations placed on them by voters, makes it harder for them to seek support for physical or mental health impairments, a new study warns.

This fosters a culture of “perseverance against all odds” and makes it harder for MPs to seek necessary support. This also reinforces the perception of the House of Commons as inaccessible for disabled parliamentarians.

But the research shows that there are extensive disability resources available and ongoing efforts to improve support and accessibility and facilitate the work of MPs and peers, as well as a changing culture of MPs and peers opening up about mental health and disabilities.

The report says that parliamentary and House staff have shown “outstanding” work in setting up and contributing to voluntary networks of accessibility champions and disability user groups.

However, a lack of coordination between different teams can make it harder for those seeking support.

Members of Parliament have to explain aspects of hidden or visible disability to many colleagues and officials repeatedly and this method of having to justify the need for adjustments is daunting for them. Having a single record that assesses the needs of members would make the process of making reasonable adjustments faster and less siloed. It would also remove pressure from individual members to push hard and repeatedly for them to be implemented.

The historic building increases the need for members to have very visible permanent assistance which may make them reluctant to request it. For the same reason, even aids as basic as infrared hearing loops are under-used.

The study, by Dr Ekaterina Kolpinskaya, from the University of Exeter, is based on her Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST) Fellowship research hosted by the Centre of Excellence for Procedural Practice of the House of Commons from 2022 to 2024.

Dr Kolpinskaya examined parliamentary documents and interviewed MPs and peers and staff from the House, Parliamentary Digital Service, Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

A total of 8 MPs (or 1.2%) declared having a disability in the 2019-2024 Parliament, with the number increasing to 12 MPs (just under 2%) after the 2024 general election.

Dr Kolpinskaya said: “Most MPs have been reluctant since they were a candidate to declare disability for fear of electoral penalty, making disability almost invisible in the Commons.

“There is also an expectation that disabled politicians must adapt themselves to existing political cultures and processes. This create a particularly difficult working environment that may be detrimental to the physical and mental health of members.

“It also leads to a greater variation in practices. Reforms are difficult because of a need for cross-party consensus and a significant amount of political will, costs and public image. But there is much good practice that the House of Commons and the UK Parliament can build on.”

The report highlights the “complex patchwork of remedial measures” in place to improve the work environment for disabled MPs. Needs are addressed on a case-by-case basis, rather than systematically. The Houses of Parliament are excepted from the Equality Act, though both Houses aim to behave as if it applies..

Dr Kolpinskaya found there is a broad consensus within Parliament and between political parties regarding the importance of taking care of the health and wellbeing of Members.

The report praises the support services offered in Parliament, and from informal and partisan networks such as ParliAble and parliamentary parties. It says there is evidence of improvement with regards to physical access and infrastructure and procedural accessibility of the debating chambers and of the House of Commons Committees.

The report praises work by the House of Parliament Health and Wellbeing and Members HR Advice team and Members Services teams to encourage members to seek mental health support early before they reach a crisis point. It recommends better lines of communication between party whips and ParliAble and better highlighting of wellbeing and health services.

Dr Kolpinskaya found whips offer support and encouragement, but MPs are often reluctant to disclose health and wellbeing issues to them. While there have been a few occasions when Whips have been in contact about concern for a colleague’s health and wellbeing, this is not a regular occurrence. The report says this is a missed opportunity to help members develop good mental and physical health routines and manage their response to pressures coming from the media and public.