PM urged to reverse disability decision in letter from ParalympicsGB

11 January 2024 , 20:13

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British wheelchair racing star and seven-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft (Image: PA)

Rishi Sunak has been urged by ParalympicsGB to reverse a decision which makes “people with a disability viewed as benefit claimants”.

Last month the the UK Government announced the role of minister for disabled people would be merged with a junior ministerial role in the Department for Work and Pensions.

The decision has caused such anger that last night ParalympicsGB joined with 56 separate sporting organisations to pen an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for an urgent rethink.

Justine Baynes, chief executive of Wheelchair Basketball, said: “With this one decision the Government have stated that 24 per cent of the population are not a priority and do not need to have their voices heard.

“Absorbing the role into a junior position demonstrates that people with a disability are simply viewed as benefit claimants rather than being valued for the important role that they play across our society.”

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Baynes added: “We have a major problem in this country around attitudes to disability and decisions like this only compound the issue.

PM urged to reverse disability decision in letter from ParalympicsGB

Justine Baynes, Chief Executive of British Wheelchair Basketball (@BritWheelBBall/Twitter)

“We need to change the narrative so that nearly a quarter of the people in our country are valued, recognised, and heard. “

The Paralympics take place in Paris between August 28 and September 8 when millions will tune in to watch the ‘Superhumans’, as Paralympians have been dubbed by Games broadcasters Channel 4.

The Paris Paras are the first to be held in Europe since an unprecedented 31.6 million viewers watched the London 2012 edition. Yet seven months out concerns extend beyond the lack of wheelchair access on the metro in the French capital.

Dave Clarke in his playing days (above) and (below) in his role as ParalympicsGB chief executive (Getty)

(Getty Images for International Paralympic Committee)

ParalympicsGB chief executive David Clarke, said: “As we enter this Paralympic year, the government has a unique opportunity to deliver on promises within their disability and sport strategies.

“The lack of a senior role within Government sends the message to the 16 million disabled people in this country that they do not have a voice at the top level of government.”

Clarke added: “It is so important that disabled people are valued for the important role that they play across our society.

“That is why we and our partners from across the system are urging the government to reverse its decision and ensure that there is representation at the very top so we can work towards achieving equality for disabled people in this country.”

In response, a Government spokesperson said: “Minister Davies will build upon this Government’s track record of supporting disabled people, having delivered millions of cost of living payments and helping over one million more disabled people into work five years earlier than planned.

“The Minister will help ensure there is always a strong safety net for the most vulnerable in our society, while tearing down barriers so that every disabled person can realise their potential and thrive.”