Thousands tell the UK Government people with MS are at #BreakingPoint

What we're asking for

We've been calling for more support for people with MS throughout the cost of living crisis and beyond in our #BreakingPoint campaign. And we've already seen some real wins in last week’s Autumn Statement. The UK Government announced benefits will increase in line with inflation from April. And there'll be new cost of living payments next year.



This is a great start. But many people with MS are facing a long bleak winter, and can't wait until April. Right now, some aren't able to afford food, heating and medication. The Government must bring this support package forward to help people already at breaking point.

This is why we handed in our petition today, accompanied by Vince and Martin, who both live with MS. We're calling for the UK Government to:

• urgently introduce an additional cost of living support package for disabled people before the end of the year

• increase benefit rates to fully cover the extra costs of living with MS

• pause debt repayments for people on benefits.

We hope this petition will act as a wake-up call to the Government and persuade them to take real steps to support the MS community.

What people with MS have to say

One of the people who joined us today was Martin Pridgeon, who lives with progressive MS. Martin left Grimsby for the first time in two years to travel to 10 Downing Street. Martin says:

“I was really nervous about coming down to London, it’s overwhelming. I don’t leave my house much so I’m not used to the fresh air, it gets a bit much. But it’s so important for me to come down here and represent the 14,000 people who have signed the MS Society’s petition. I want to be one voice as part of a collective – more voices speak louder than one.

“Why should I be forced to choose between heating my house, paying for a carer, and my vital MS medication? I can no longer afford fampridine, but I also can’t live without it, it’s an impossible situation. We need more support from the Government, and we need it now.”

Why we’re campaigning on this issue

Anastasia Berry, our Policy Manager, says: “Right now, people with MS are choosing between eating, putting their heating on, and travelling to vital medical appointments. We’re relieved the Government has finally listened to our calls to increase benefits in line with inflation. But with people, like Martin, already at breaking point, how can it justify withholding this support for months?

“If this Government is as committed to compassion as it claims to be, it must urgently bring the support package forward.”

What happens next?

We haven't finished campaigning on the cost of living crisis or disability benefits. Join our campaigns community to keep up to date with the campaign as it progresses.

You can also get in touch with us to share your story by emailing [email protected].

You don't have to face challenges alone. Find out about extra financial support you could get, as well as disability benefits.