'I have to gig in some seriously rancid comedy venues'
(Picture: Emery PR)Disabled comedian Rosie Jones has attracted praise online for her “amazing” takedown of the Conservative government’s plans to reform social care on Thursday’s episode of Late Night Mash on Dave.
Jones, who has ataxic cerebral palsy, appeared on the comedy show presented by Nish Kumar to “talk about people like me” – disabled people.
Specifically, ‘Build Back Better’ - the UK government’s proposals for a reform of health and social care which was unveiled earlier this month.
Commenting on the announcement, Jones said: “I don’t know why we trust the Tories to make this legislation when we all know they have absolutely no f**king clue.
“The Tories tried to justify the removal of essential support by claiming that it helped improve independence. That’s like the proverb about giving a man a fish: it works, unless that man has no arms, no fishing rod, and lives in the desert.
“If you teach that man to fish, you killed him. Just give him a f**king fish!”
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In her #LateNightMash debut @josierones discusses social care reform and how evil @MrNishKumar can be. pic.twitter.com/DWiaLmrZoa
— Dave (@davechannel) September 17, 2021
She then went on to tackle benefits assessments, describing the process as “ludicrous”.
“A stranger comes into your house for 10 minutes, has a look at you and makes a decision that affects the rest of your life.
“I mean, sometimes, a snap judgement is accurate,” she said, before turning to Kumar. “D**khead.”
Concluding her monologue, Jones said that the government’s social care plan “reads like not a single disabled person was involved in it”.
“How on earth are we ever going to make change if our fates are decided for us by a bunch of cretins who wouldn’t know a group of disabled people even if we ram raided parliament with our scooters, frames and chairs – which, I’m not suggesting, but I am free on Tuesday.
“But it’s just not up to us lot. It’s a job of able-bodied people to be good allies and to fight our fight with us.
“You’re fighting for a group you could belong to in the future – if you’re lucky.
“Involve us, ask us, and stop speaking for us. Thank you,” she said.
Jones’ remarks have since seen her branded a “legend” online, with Twitter users describing her appearance on Late Night Mash as “fabulous” and “outstanding”:
One of the best things we’ve ever done https://t.co/u90sbAPVWE
— Nish Kumar (@MrNishKumar) September 17, 2021
Rosie, I bloomin love you! I’ve never felt more proud to be disabled - you have helped me find that lost confidence & self worth, thank you!! I really wish I could meet you one day!
— Bel 🏳️🌈 (@01_annabel) September 17, 2021
Love Rosie. She's amazing. Clever witty and spot on
— Chris Noble (@funksoulHulk) September 17, 2021
Brilliant! Rosie is great, and judging by the way he looks at her, Nish thinks so too!
— SarahC (@SarahCoruna) September 17, 2021
Rosie you’re a fucking legend. I love you!
— DontLukeNow (@RupaulFTompkins) September 17, 2021
ALL MPs should see this. A word to the PM this is how you address a nation. A word to the leader of the opposition this is how you challenge the Tories in power. @josierones you are phenomenal.
— Happy Snapper (@happysnapper64) September 17, 2021
Just give us the f**king fish https://t.co/LsmGVR1Bff
— Ginny & Tonic 🥤 (@GinnyAndT) September 17, 2021
God, I love her. https://t.co/TbOQilY0PM
— Gina Lyons (@GinaLyons) September 17, 2021
Brilliant https://t.co/oAR02xRA1p
— Sam Pamphilon (@SamPamphilon) September 17, 2021
We think Rosie both Mashed it and smashed it - bravo.
