Hardest Hit march against disability benefit cuts

Yesterday afternoon an estimated 8,000 people, including many with Parkinson's, marched through Westminster. We were protesting against the Government's proposed cuts to disability benefits as part of the Hardest Hit campaign.


Image right: Jane Asher leads the Hardest Hit campaign past Big Ben with other marchers


The march was set up by various disability charities to send a strong message to Government: to stop making cuts to benefits that will hit the disabled and their families the hardest.


Our president Jane Asher, spoke at the pre-march rally before proudly leading campaigners past Parliament. She said: "The Government's cuts to disability benefits risk leaving the vulnerable people I represent, impoverished, confined to their homes and without access to appropriate services and support networks.


"People with disabilities are being hit from all sides. I am calling on the Government, with all of you, to put a stop to these cuts; they are cruel, they are misguided, and they are badly drafted."


As the photos show, the atmosphere out in the crowd was good-natured but emotional. Many people with Parkinson's made sure their voices were heard. We hope the Government listened.


Image left: Sachin Shah from our Campaigns team with Tina Walker, who has Parkinson's


See lots more photos from the march on Flickr and add your own photos if you were there.


And watch this excellent video from the charity Scope if you're in any doubt as to why people were protesting.