Politics · United Kingdom · 1 hr ago
Tory MP Joe Robertson says ADHD diagnosis does not mean he needs benefits
Tory MP Joe Robertson says he was diagnosed with ADHD at 42 after paying £900 for a private assessment, following an NHS waiting list of more than a year in his area.
He says the diagnosis helps explain lifelong difficulties with concentration and forgetfulness.
Robertson says ADHD does not mean he needs disability benefits, although he believes people whose condition is debilitating should receive support.
He says more than 100,000 people in Britain receive Personal Independence Payment with ADHD listed as their main disability.
He argues support should focus on treatment, schools and help at work, rather than limiting people’s ambitions.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has proposed welfare reforms that would replace cash payments for people with mild mental health conditions with community and employment support.
The Conservatives say their plan would save £36 billion a year; Robertson says a future Conservative government would support those in need and expect more from those able to manage.
Tory MP Joe Robertson says his ADHD diagnosis does not mean he needs disability benefits.
He says he was diagnosed at 42 after paying £900 for a private assessment.
Robertson says ADHD traits can help him manage the demands of his work as an MP.
He says some people with ADHD have debilitating conditions and should receive state support.
He argues for treatment, practical help and employment support alongside welfare reform.
- Who
- Joe Robertson, a Conservative MP and shadow disabilities minister.
- What
- He says his ADHD diagnosis does not mean he needs disability benefits, while arguing that people with more serious needs should be supported.
- When
- He says he was diagnosed at 42; the article was published on 11 November 2026.
- Where
- Britain. He had a private assessment by Zoom; the NHS waiting list in his area was over a year.
- Why
- He sought an assessment after becoming interested in how people learn and get on, and to understand traits he had experienced throughout his life.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Robertson says he was forgetful and found it hard to concentrate.
He decided to be assessed for ADHD and paid £900 for a private appointment.
He received an email confirming his ADHD diagnosis within 72 hours.
The Daily Mail published Robertson’s article.
- Assessment cost
- £900
- Private assessment
- Two-hour Zoom call with a nurse and a brief questionnaire
- Diagnosis
- Confirmed by email within 72 hours
- NHS waiting list
- Over a year in Robertson’s area
- PIP recipients
- More than 100,000 people in Britain have ADHD as their main disability, according to the article
What people are saying
despite my ADHD, I don’t need disability benefits.
Such people may shoulder a financial cost and should be supported by the state.
Kindness would mean offering treatment, therapy and practical help when needed.