Seven-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft says disabled people in Britain are being “almost criminalised” in the way they are treated. The UK government downgraded the role of minister of state for disabled people to junior level last month. An open letter signed by 57 sporting bodies last week called for the role to be reinstated.
Seven-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft says disabled people in Britain are being “almost criminalised” in the way they are treated.
The UK government downgraded the role of minister of state for disabled people to junior level last month.
An open letter signed by 57 sporting bodies last week called for the role to be reinstated.
“Britain is a really scary place to be as a disabled person right now,” Cockroft told BBC Sport.
“I still can’t catch a train if there is no-one there with a ramp, I still can’t catch a bus with my boyfriend, I still can’t enter a shop if it has a step to it,” Cockroft said. “Everything that affects disabled people in everyday life still affects me, no matter how quickly I push around a track.
Mims Davies MP
Mims Davies was appointed to the role in December within the Department for Work and Pensions as a parliamentary under-secretary of state – the lowest rung of the ministerial ladder!
ParalympicsGB chief executive Dave Clarke said the downgrading of the ministerial role means disabled people “do not have a voice at the top level of government”.
The Government’s Response
A government spokesperson told BBC Sport: “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.”