Social security, disability and health-related inactivity: What is the Conservative case for reform?

This discussion was part of the Institute for Government's programme of events at the Conservative Party Conference 2026.

Speakers:

Helen Whately MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Helen Barnard, Director of Policy and Research at Trussell

Fraser Nelson, Columnist at The Times

Ben Paxton, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government

This event was chaired by Thomas Pope, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government. 

This event was in partnership with Trussell.

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