Jesy Nelson launched her Prime Video series but also announced a new one-off special focused on her campaigning work on behalf of babies Ocean Jade and Story Monroe
18:15, 05 Feb 2026Updated 18:15, 05 Feb 2026
Jesy Nelson is making an extra documentary on top of her new TV series – all about her campaign for newborns to be tested for Spinal Muscular Atrophy at birth. The former Little Mix star and mum-of-two finished officially filming her Prime Video series some time ago about her career and becoming a mum.
But she decided to allow the cameras to keep rolling after her twin daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster were diagnosed with SMA Type 1, a rare condition which causes muscle wastage. Jesy is calling for UK babies to be checked for SMA at birth via a heel prick test and The Mirror has joined her on this campaign, which will now be boosted by a Prime video programme, going out late in the year following the twins journey and Jesy’s call for action.
At the launch of her series Life After Little Mix which is released on February 13, Jesy discussed the new extra show and her hopes for change. She explained: “I just hope people continue to watch the next part of the journey. When the girls got their diagnosis, we decided that we wanted to continue filming. As hard as it was, we were like, ‘You know what? There’s a reason you guys are here, and we’ve got to make the best out of this situation’.
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“I’m sure you guys are aware, like, I’m trying to get it[SMA] made part of the heel prick test. That’s like my main goal right now, as well as looking after my beautiful girls.
“I mean, I haven’t even seen it back yet, but I already know it’s gonna be tough. But I’m just so happy that we’ve been able to document everything, because I really believe that we’re going to make change. Like, I feel it.
“I love how dedicated people are to spreading awareness about everything that I’ve been through and this(new programme) is going to shed even more.”
Last month Jesy appeared on This Morning last month and vowed to “shout from the rooftops” to campaign for change. She wants SMA to be part of an NHS blood test that is normally carried out at five days old, and currently tests for 10 other conditions.
At her London screening today Jesy also gave a brief update on the health of the twins, who she has previously said may never walk due to SMA. She said: “They’re so good. They’re like, the best, you know, they’re doing the best that they can, and they’re happy and they’re smiling, and that’s, all I can ask for. I just can’t wait to show it to them(TV series) when they’re older and just be like ‘Look what you did, look how amazing you are’.”
The brave twins have already survived against the odds. They developed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in the womb which could have been fatal and doctors tell Jesy in the Prime Video Series there is “90-95%” chance both of the babies won’t survive if they don’t take urgent action.
Poignantly during complications whilst pregnant she tells the cameras: “I can’t imagine not having these babies.
“It just progressively keeps getting worse, I can’t, I’m getting upset. Literally my brain can’t compute not having these babies because they’re my children now, and I felt them kick. They’re properly formed little humans.”
* The series Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix is available on Prime Video from February 13. It will be followed by a one-off special later in the year. For further information on Spinal Muscular Atrophy please visit: https://smauk.org.uk/
What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
As Mercury drifts into Pisces, things take a reflective tone. Contemplation will come naturally through the day ahead.
Cancer, Leo and Scorpio, your imagination may run wild today. Creativity is blooming and new perspectives will arise, making this a great time for new plans.
Don’t be fooled into thinking reflection means passiveness. Be an active agent of your own mind while letting the cosmos guide you.
Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday February 6, 2026.
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As the analytical Mercury moves into sensitive Pisces, your voice may soften, but don’t mistake gentle for powerless. Your thoughts become more intuitive and your communication style gets a poetic upgrade. This is the perfect time to speak from the heart, even if the words come in whispers. Your imagination is fired up, making this a stellar moment for journalling, dreaming or diving into creative projects.
Your social life may take on a magical tone as friends, allies and kindred spirits could offer just the right words at the right moment. Your thinking becomes more intuitive and less rigid, which is a gift. Creative ideas flow freely now, especially when you’re collaborating or brainstorming in relaxed settings. As chatty Mercury arrives Pisces, a long-lost contact might resurface or you may feel drawn to a cause that speaks to your soul.
Your thoughts may take on a more poetic, intuitive flair as Mercury glides into Pisces. Logic gives way to imagination, and while facts might blur, your creativity shines. Career matters benefit from big dreams but do keep one foot on the ground to avoid chasing clouds. You could impress someone influential with a visionary idea, but don’t get lost in the details or forget them entirely.
As the interactive Mercury sails into Pisces, your imagination can surge and especially about opening up your world. Conversations take on a more subtle tone, and you may find yourself daydreaming of faraway places or meaningful adventures. This is a stellar time for learning, writing or spiritual growth, or anything that nourishes your soul. Messages may come through synchronicities or subtle signs but do check details before launching big plans.
Your thoughts dive deeper than usual and conversations may carry a mysterious or emotional undertone. Intuition sharpens, secrets may surface and meaningful insights emerge when you least expect them. Sharp Mercury’s entrance into Pisces stirs your house of intimacy, shared resources and transformation, so don’t be surprised if a financial or emotional puzzle suddenly clicks into place after trying hard to resolve it.
Your cosmic guide, Mercury arrives in Pisces and suddenly logic gives way to intuition. This shift lights up your relationship zone, encouraging heart-to-hearts, deep listening and perhaps a little romantic whimsy. You’re known for your sharp mind, but now it’s your empathy and imagination that steal the show. Whether you’re mending fences, forging bonds or flirting with new possibilities, connection is key.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Your focus shifts to the little things that keep life running smoothly. Your routines, health and work habits are in the spotlight. You might find solutions in unexpected places or be inspired to beautify the boring. Trust your intuition when organising your day, as it knows more than you think. For the next few weeks, a walk, a playlist, a fresh smoothie – these tiny rituals become meaningful acts of self-love.
The intermediary Mercury drifts into fellow water sign Pisces, turning up the volume on your creativity, romantic musings and soulful self-expression. Words flow like poetry, so share your thoughts, write that message or romance with flair. This transit sprinkles stardust over love, play and personal projects, so don’t be surprised if inspiration hits when least expected. Your instincts can be heightened and especially in matters of the heart.
Your thoughts turn towards home, roots and the emotional glue that binds it all together. While you’re usually off chasing far horizons, you’ve a chance now to relax mentally and emotionally. Sentimental chats, nostalgic memories or even writing that family memoir might surface. Communication with loved ones becomes more intuitive, so trust those hunches. It’s a fabulous time to plan a cosy gathering.
Your thinking and ideas can gain pace. Normally practical and to the point, you may be speaking in metaphors, dreaming up soulful ideas and tapping into the hearts of others with surprising ease. Dialogue becomes more emotionally rich, and your ability to listen with empathy skyrockets. This is the perfect time to express yourself, as your imagination is your greatest asset now.
Your thoughts take on a dreamy, imaginative hue as Mercury enters your money zone. Normally a cerebral whizz, you’re now tuned into subtle cues, feelings and unspoken truths, making you more poetic and intuitive than usual. Conversations about money or values may veer into mystical or visionary territory. This is a fine time to brainstorm soulful side hustles or artistic income streams.
After a period of feeling reflective, your thinking can become a shimmering sea of imagination, insight and inspiration. Communication flows and your words can enchant, persuade and uplift, so use them wisely. You’re more articulate than usual, though still prone to daydreams, so double-check details if precision is needed. Use this opportunity to share your ideas, write or speak from the heart.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
A contestant on this year’s Dragons’ Den said Gary Neville ‘fit the energy of her company’ (Picture: BBC Studios)
For most contestants on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, one could only dream of being able to read the minds of the multi-millionaire investors they are hoping to secure a deal with.
But for professional psychic medium Danielle Close, this became a reality after she secured a £50,000 joint investment from her ‘dream Dragons’ Deborah Meaden and Gary Neville.
Appearing on the hit BBC investment series, the business owner presented her skincare brand My Skin Feels, which creates effective, sensitive-skin-friendly formulas using rescued food by-products.
However, for Danielle, who spoke to Metro exclusively about her time on the show, her journey began back in 2023 when former Manchester United footballer Gary was announced as a guest Dragon for series 21.
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‘If you want to know something really weird… years ago when Gary Neville was announced as a Dragon, I really thought if I ever go on the show I want my Dragon to be him,’ she told us.
‘So when I was put with him, I just knew it, I had such a good feeling about him and I don’t know why,’ she told us.
Danielle Close secured a £50,000 investment from her pitch on the series (Picture: BBC Studios)
‘It’s quite interesting how I just tuned into it, and also how I got a few offers but I knew which ones felt like the right ones… [Deborah and Gary] fit the energy of the company.’
The business owner is a fifth-generation psychic medium with seven years of formal training to her name.
Offering psychic and mediumship readings both online and in person, Danielle balances this alongside running her full-time business.
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Discussing her background as a professional psychic medium, which is something that has strongly informed her brand’s intuition-led approach, Danielle said there is a ‘lot of stigma around the work’.
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However, she explained that it has ‘had such a positive impact on My Skin Feels’.
‘People think that my psychic work is separate, but intuition is your daily life… for me, choosing who to work with, knowing which direction to go in, knowing what feels right, what is wrong, it’s just having good intuition.
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‘When you go into mediumship, it’s a separate thing because that’s particularly a specific skill for clients, but intuition in business goes hand in hand and I bet if you talk to any business leader they’re using intuition and not realising they’re using it.’
Both Gary and Deborah Meaden invested in the skincare brand (Picture: BBC Studios)
Despite securing a £50,000 investment from Gary and Deborah on the show, Danielle revealed that she didn’t end up taking their money after private investors offered a better deal.
‘Weirdly, these investors came in through my psychic mediumship contacts and they just really liked the business, then it just went on a bit of a spiral.’
This came after she appeared to snub Peter Jones, who had also offered to invest in her company, in a hilarious moment during her episode.
‘It was a complete accident,’ she added. ‘I actually forgot he made an offer because I was so focused on Deborah and Gary, and then I said I’m actually really sorry.’
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In the Den, Danielle originally asked for £50,000 in exchange for 10% of the business.
While several Dragons made offers including Peter, who were all proposing taking 20% equity, after negotiating, Danielle accepted Deborah and Gary’s joint offer of £50,000 for 20%, with both Dragons keen to be actively involved in scaling the brand.
Since her time on the show, My Skin Feels has achieved 250% year-on-year growth. It has also launched into all 15 Credo Beauty stores across the US as well as securing early distribution with Whole Foods.
Dragons’ Den is available to watch on BBC One at 8pm on Thursday.
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Michail Kirilov, 37, of Cambridge Street, Scarborough, is charged with outraging public decency and the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Huntriss Row in Scarborough, between 7.30pm and 8pm on Tuesday (February 3).
Recommended reading:
Kirilov allegedly exposed himself and sexually touched the girl.
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He was subsequently arrested, charged and remanded – appearing at York Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (February 5).
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Kirilov pleaded not guilty and a trial has been set for April 2, 2026 at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court, 10am, court room 1.
“In the meantime, he has been remanded in custody ahead of a bail application hearing at York Magistrates’ Court on February 13.”
Oxford University researchers outline which reported side effects are actually caused by statins and say packet labelling should be updated
Statins do not cause many of the side effects which have been linked to the drug, research suggests.
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A study of 124,000 people published in the Lancet looked at side effects including memory loss, depression, sleep problems, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, nausea, fatigue and headaches. It revealed that over a four year period patients who took statins were no more likely to experience such common symptoms as those given a dummy drug.
The research team at Oxford University said there is “ongoing confusion and concern” about supposed side-effects linked to the drugs – and say millions more Brits could benefit from them.
Statins are already one of Britain’s most commonly prescribed drugs taken by around eight million people to lower bad cholesterol levels, and in turn cut their risk of heart attack and stroke. Scientists say the packet labelling information about side effects should be updated.
Lead author of the paper, Christina Reith, associate professor at Oxford Population Health, said “Statins are life-saving drugs used by hundreds of millions of people over the past 30 years. However concerns about the safety of statins have deterred many people who are at risk of severe disability or death from a heart attack or stroke. Our study provides reassurance that, for most people, the risk of side effects is greatly outweighed by the benefits of statins.”
Each year the number of reports of thinking and memory problems was 0.2% in those taking the statins, but also 0.2% in those taking the placebo. This means that while people may notice these problems whilst taking statins, there is no good evidence that they are caused by the statin.
Previous research had identified a 1% increase in muscle symptoms among people taking statins, usually in the first year of treatment. These can include muscle weakness, loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings of the hands and feet.
Statins can also lead to a small increase in blood sugar levels, meaning that some people at high risk of diabetes may develop the condition sooner.
On top of these known side-effects, researchers found that only four of 66 “undesirable outcomes” previously linked to statins were actually associated with the drug.
This included a small increased risk of around 0.1% of abnormal results from two types of liver function test.
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One test signals elevated levels of certain enzymes in the blood, indicating inflamed or damaged liver cells. The other identifies high rates of a different type of enzyme that indicates potential bile duct obstruction of liver damage. Despite these, the study found no increased risk of serious liver disease.
Research also showed an increased risk in swollen legs, ankles and feet, also known as oedema, and changes to urine, which could indicate underlying health issues like infections or kidney disease.
Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific officer at the British Heart Foundation, said “These findings are hugely important. Statins are lifesaving drugs, which have been proven to protect against heart attacks and strokes.
“Among the large number of patients assessed in this well-conducted analysis, only four side effects out of 66 were found to have any association with taking statins, and only in a very small proportion of patients.
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“This evidence is a much-needed counter to the misinformation around statins and should help prevent unnecessary deaths from cardiovascular disease. Recognising which side effects might genuinely be associated with statins is also important as it will help doctors make decisions about when to use alternative treatments.”
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “When prescribed appropriately, statins have been shown to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular conditions, such as stroke and heart attacks. Those considering taking statins should be reassured by this comprehensive study which shows that while statins, like any medication, have potential side effects, the risk for most people is low.
“It remains important to note that while statins can have real benefits for some patients, they won’t be appropriate for everyone so the decision to prescribe should always be the result of a conversation between the GP and patient about the various risks and benefits.”
A man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries
A residential street was taped off by emergency services after two people were injured in a stabbing in Oldham on Thursday evening (February 5).
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Police and paramedics raced to Longley Street, in the Shaw area, shortly before 5pm to reports of a serious assault. A man and woman both were found to have suffered injuries.
The road was cordoned off, with an ambulance pictured in attendance along with multiple police vehicles. The woman suffered minor injuries however the male victim was rushed to hospital after sustaining serious injuries in the knife attack.
A man, aged 47, has since been arrested and taken into custody to be questioned by detectives on suspicion of assault.
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A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault after two people were injured in Shaw this afternoon (Thursday 5 February).
“The man remains in police custody and the scene has since been stood down.
“At around 4:52pm today officers were called to reports of an assault on Longley Street. A woman suffered minor injuries but a man suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.”
He also defended his wife, 31-year-old American actress Nicola, whom he wed in 2022, and who he says has been consistently ‘disrespected’ by his relatives.
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Now, in the latest indication of worsening relations between the Beckhams, a tattoo of an anchor on Brooklyn’s arm that previously read ‘dad’ has been covered up by unknown symbols.
Previously, a source told Metro David is ‘obviously heartbroken’ at this latest snub from his oldest child.
The tattoo used to clearly read ‘dad’ (Picture: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
But new photos reveal that the ink has been covered with symbols (Picture: BACKGRID)
The change to the inked tribute was photographed while the couple were on a shopping trip (Picture: BACKGRID)
‘David is obviously heartbroken over Brooklyn’s decision to cover up his tribute to him,’ our source shared.
‘It feels like a deep cut, even after everything that was said in his statement.
In his memoir, Sir David said his tattoos were an ‘expression of how he feels about Victoria and the kids,’ and it’s been clear over the years that Brooklyn has used tattoos to express similar sentiments about the people in his life.
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A source told The Sun about Brooklyn’s anchor tattoo: ‘Brooklyn’s had laser treatment on the writing. He wanted it gone.
‘There is so much hurt and pain on his side, it would not be genuine to keep such a tribute on his body.’
The words have been hidden within a sketch of Nicola’s bouquet from their wedding day, which comes after he vowed to ‘always choose’ his other half.
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For now, a source claims David still has all of his tattoos paying tribute to Brooklyn.
Nicola and Brooklyn have looked closer than ever since he posted his statement (Picture: BACKGRID)
Nicola’s father, Nelson, recently voiced his support for the couple (Picture: BACKGRID)
The source confirmed: ‘David still has his tribute to Brooklyn, his nickname Buster on his neck, and has no plans to cover it up.’
He has all the kids names written on his body, including Brooklyn in large lettering on his lower back and ‘we love you daddy’ in his children’s handwriting.
One of the most visible is Brooklyn’s nickname ‘Buster’ in small lettering on his neck with a heart next to it.
A source has claimed David has no plans to cover his tattoo tributes to Brooklyn (Picture: davidbeckham)
The footballer was reportedly ‘heartbroken’ by Brooklyn’s decision to cover the tattoo (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
When he revealed the ink, the former England captain wrote on Instagram: ‘I’ve always called Brooklyn (Buster) since the day he was born… Love you Bust.’
The 83-year-old billionaire continued: ‘I’ll tell you my daughter’s great, my son-in-law, Brooklyn, is great, and I look forward to them having a long, happy marriage together.’
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Geoffrey Vanes was among a group of people who gathered outside the victim’s home shouting threats before he was brutally attacked when he hit the ground.
One of the group scaled a drainpipe to get to the upstairs off the property shortly before the man fell to the ground, Teesside Crown Court heard.
The 40-year-old was seen to strike the man three times before another person started kicking and stamping on the prone victim outside the property on Derwent Street in Hartlepool.
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Rachel Butt, prosecuting, said the defendant then struck the man again as he struggled to get back to his feet.
She said the victim managed to escape and take sanctuary in a shop until the police arrived and he was taken to hospital.
The court heard how the man suffered a dislocated right elbow and damage to his spine as a result of the incident.
Vanes, of Windermere Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to affray and possession of an offensive weapon following the attack on August 1 last year.
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Rachel Kelly, mitigating, said: “He said he felt ashamed when he viewed the evidence and had told the probation officer that he regretted the impact of the incident on the victim.
Read more:
“There is genuine remorse shown by the defendant in his pre-sentence report.”
Judge Nathan Adams sentenced Vanes to 22 months in custody for the attack on the man in his own home.
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“The was quite clearly a targeted attack on him at his property,” he said.
“It is not clear exactly how he came to fall, he says he was pushed out of the window, but what we do know is that when he hits the ground, you repeatedly hit him with a weapon whilst he is on the ground.”
Everything we know as two people stabbed and huge police response – Manchester Evening News
Need to know
A man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries as emergency services swarmed the scene
Longley Street was taped off by police following the knife attack(Image: Spotted Oldham / Facebook)
Here’s everything we know as two people stabbed in Oldham
On Thursday evening, emergency services responded to a stabbing incident on Longley Street in the Shaw area of Oldham. Police and paramedics arrived shortly before 5pm following reports of a serious assault.
Upon arrival, authorities found a man and a woman who had both sustained injuries. The street was quickly cordoned off, with multiple police vehicles and an ambulance on the scene.
The woman suffered only minor injuries in the attack. However, the male victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
A 47-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault. He has been taken into custody for questioning by detectives.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the arrested man remains in police custody. The scene has since been stood down, and the investigation is ongoing.
The incident caused significant disruption in the area, with emergency services taping off the residential street. Residents witnessed a large emergency response as authorities dealt with the situation.
Disabled people with lived experience will oversee the first ever comprehensive review of Personal Independence Payment, with findings expected by autumn 2026
Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Rory Poulter
20:00, 05 Feb 2026
Disabled individuals will have their perspectives placed front and centre in the first-ever thorough examination of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), following the selection of 12 members to its steering group. Those appointed bring first-hand knowledge of living with disabilities or chronic health conditions, as well as hands-on experience working within Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).
Their specialist knowledge spans welfare policy, accessibility, and advocacy, with members boasting credentials in co-production, governance and leadership. The group will chart the strategic course and help set priorities and a work plan for the Timms Review, working alongside the Review’s three co-chairs: Minister Sir Stephen Timms, Sharon Brennan, and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE.
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The group will scrutinise PIP’s function in empowering disabled people to achieve improved health outcomes and lead independent lives, the PIP assessment criteria for daily living and mobility, and how the assessment could facilitate access to appropriate support across the benefits system.
PIP claims have skyrocketed in recent years. In 2019, two million working-age people were receiving PIP, but that number has climbed to more than 3.9 million by the end of October 2025.
The DWP has projected that PIP claimant numbers will surpass four million by the decade’s end. The Timms Review has been established to ensure PIP remains equitable and fit for purpose going forward – taking into account people’s real-world conditions, their hopes and ambitions, whilst acknowledging how society has evolved since the benefit’s original conception and introduction, reports the Mirror.
According to the DWP, since PIP’s introduction in 2013, there have been shifting trends in long-term health conditions and disability. While more individuals are living with disabilities, the growth in disability benefit recipients is running at double the rate of rising prevalence amongst working-age adults across England and Wales.
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The Timms Review is scheduled to present its conclusions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by autumn 2026, with an interim progress report expected in advance. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms commented: “Disabled people deserve a system that truly supports them to live with independence and dignity, and that fairly reflects the reality of their lives today.
“That’s why we’re putting disabled people at the heart of this Review – ensuring their voices shape the changes that will help them achieve better health, greater independence, and access to the right support when they need it. We’re delighted to announce the appointment of the steering group members, who alongside myself and the Review’s co-chairs will report back to the Secretary of State in the autumn.”
Co-chair Sharon Brennan stated: “The group we have chosen shows our commitment to ensuring this review is co produced with people from a diversity of backgrounds including lived and living experience, protected characteristics, geographies and professions.
“But 15 people can’t represent everyone, which is why our work will be part of a wider engagement process to ensure we hear from many more voices throughout the review.”
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Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, also a co-chair, said: “Personal Independence Payment plays a vital role in enabling disabled people to live independent lives. This Review will listen closely to lived experience, test whether the system is fair, and ensure PIP reflects the realities of disability in the modern world.”
A coalition of charities has welcomed the inclusion of disabled people on the steering group, but warned “it cannot become about making cuts”.
The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) – a coalition of more than 100 charities, including the MS Society, Scope, Parkinson’s UK and Mencap – said the review offers a chance for “real change” to an assessment system which is “not only stressful, they fail to recognise the impact of fluctuating and progressive conditions like MS – often denying people the support they need to live independently”.
Charles Gillies, DBC policy co-chair and senior policy officer at the MS Society, described it as “undeniably positive that most members of the new steering group have lived experience of disability or claiming PIP”. He added: “This review must now engage meaningfully with the steering group and disabled people more generally, and remain laser-focused on improving the fairness of PIP assessments – or we risk this vital opportunity being wasted. And crucially, it cannot become about making cuts.”
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What happens next
The steering group’s work has already commenced. Following an informal introductory call and induction session in January 2026, the forthcoming weeks will include:
The first formal steering group meetings;
The start of detailed co-production and policy work in February;
Preparations for a broader, fully accessible engagement programme beyond the steering group, launching in the spring.