Detailed report below
Hundreds of disabled people and their allies took to the streets of Leeds to vent their anger at the Labour government’s proposed cuts to welfare and disability benefits.
The Crips Against Cuts protestors gathered outside St John’s Centre, carrying banners with messages such as: “Fund the welfare, not the warfare”, “Autistics against Austerity” and “Welfare Cuts Kill!”.
The demonstrators chanted “Starmer Out, Reeves Out, Kendall Out”, targeting the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of Welfare Liz Kendall.
One of the speakers at the rally, Lula , had this caution for the government: “These cuts will kill.”
She told the crowd: “Anyone can be disabled in their life. These cuts can impact anyone.
This policy could affect a quarter of the British population, with more than 16.1 million people in the UK having a disability.
After the rally, Leeds East Labour MP Richard Burgon said the government’s policy was “morally wrong”.
He added that if the government did not change course “I’m afraid you would have to expect the mother of all rebellions right across the board labour MPs not just labour MPs on the left”.
Richard Burgon told the crowd , “I have been campaigning in parliament for a wealth tax, of 2% on assets over £10 million, this would raise £24 billion a year, in comparison with removing the PIP policy only saving 5/6 billion”.
His campaign ensures the government more money rather than targeting the poor and vulnerable.
This amount of money would make more economic gains for the UK by taxing wealth. Burgon suggested equalising capital gains tax with income tax would raise £14 billion a year.
“The government will not give into our demand until there is a mass movement led by disabled people, supported by allies,” he said.
The ‘Crips Against Cuts National Day Of Action’ took place on Saturday 22nd March, on Dortmund Square LS2.
The demonstration was organised by the Socialist Party with the message to call for immediate actions from policy makers to reverse the damage in cuts and provide adequate support for disabled people.
The unity and solidarity displayed at the event underscored the urgent need for policy changes that prioritised the wellbeing and dignity of disabled individuals.
News with Martina 