Wes Streeting Attacks Marginalised Neurodivergent People

"Do you want fries with that?"

In a recent interview, Health Secretary Wes Streeting suggested that there is an “overdiagnosis” of mental health conditions, claiming that “too many people are being written off.”

It is, we believe, important at this stage to point out that at no point in his 'career' has the self-appointed 'Dr' Streeting studied for or received ANY medical qualifications whatsoever, let alone any in the field of mental health, where he has never worked. His LinkedIn profile is, to put it kindly, 'sparse', with actual work experience prior to setting his sights on politics confined to, er, McDonalds and the now-defunct washing machine outlet Comet.

While Streeting's concerns about sustainability and the welfare system may seem reasonable on the surface, his comments undermine the very real struggles faced by millions of neurodivergent and mentally ill people in the UK.

Streeting’s statements play into harmful stereotypes, presenting mental health issues as something easily “diagnosed” and potentially exaggerated by individuals who are making it up to rip off the benefits system.

This simplistic view neglects the complex nature of mental health diagnoses and the immense challenges faced by those who truly need help. Neurodiversity is a spectrum, as Streeting acknowledges, yet his rhetoric risks reducing it to something that can easily be dismissed or undermined.

It’s essential to recognise that mental health and neurodivergence are not just vague concepts; they are conditions that require comprehensive understanding and support.

The reality is that the UK is in the midst of a mental health crisis. Figures from the Institute for Fiscal Studies highlight that more than half of the rise in working-age disability claims since the Covid pandemic is related to mental health or behavioural conditions.

This is not an indication of overdiagnosis, but rather a reflection of the increased awareness and recognition of these issues. To label this rise as overdiagnosis is not only dismissive; it’s damaging.

The reality for many neurodivergent individuals is bleak. Studies show that 85% of autistic individuals are out of work, and 65% of people with bipolar disorder face unemployment.

Streeting's call to force neurodivergent individuals into work ignores the deeper structural issues at play. Rather than pushing people into jobs they may not be able to maintain due to systemic barriers, the solution lies in making society more accommodating.

The focus should be on sweeping disability reform that prioritises accessibility in workplaces and the education system. Legislation that incorporates oral exams, flexible working environments, and tailored support will enable those with mental health conditions and neurodivergence to succeed independently - not by force, but through empowerment.

Mental health charity Mind and other experts have warned against using such inflammatory language, stressing the importance of being careful with our words to avoid stigmatising those who are already marginalised.

It’s important to remember that people seeking benefits due to mental health and neurodivergence undergo a rigorous and often humiliating assessment process, with many decisions being overturned on appeal.

This is not a system where people are “written off,” but a system that frequently fails to provide the support people need and deserve.

Streeting’s rhetoric also conveniently overlooks the broader societal issues contributing to the mental health crisis, such as poverty, low-paid and insecure work, and the aftermath of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.

These issues have deeply affected people's mental well-being, creating a perfect storm for rising mental health needs. The solution is not to attack the validity of diagnoses but to invest in better services, better support, and a better understanding of mental health.

The government’s pledge to recruit more mental health staff to address the waiting list crisis is commendable, but this alone will not address the stigma or misunderstanding surrounding mental health.

Neurodivergent and psychiatric conditions are not to be dismissed lightly or labelled as overdiagnosed. Instead, we must create a society that is both compassionate and well-equipped to support those affected by mental health issues, rather than resorting to blanket statements that further isolate them.

Streeting’s comments threaten to undermine years of progress in the fight for mental health recognition and support. His remarks must be met with scrutiny, and the conversation must shift from overdiagnosis to addressing the deeper structural issues that continue to leave many people without the care they so desperately need.

A future where neurodivergent individuals are empowered to thrive, not just survive, is within our reach—but it will take a collective effort to make society more inclusive and understanding. Labour are acting like Tories, attacking the vulnerable and marginalised.

With Labour MPs like this who needs a Labour party? Keir Hardie was a strong advocate for social justice, and his political beliefs extended to supporting the rights of various marginalised groups, including the disabled. I'm sure he would be turning in his grave.

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ED: The author of this article, a mental health service user diagnosed as neurodivergent, wished to remain anonymous. They are, to put it bluntly, scared of repercussions should they use a real name. Scared of the actual Health Secretary. As will be many, many people in similar positions...