Leeds paralympian Kadeena Cox in call to end disability benefit cuts

Double Rio gold-medallist Kadeena Cox has echoed the call of dozens of charities who are campaigning to ensure no further cuts to disability benefits are made.

She has joined the likes of fellow Paralympian Anne Wafula Strike and BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills who have also signed the open letter to all the political parties – urging them to protect disability benefits from further cuts in the next parliament.

Laura Wetherly, policy manager at the MS Society, said: “Today, thousands of people across the UK are sending a loud and clear message to our politicians that the current welfare system doesn’t make any sense.

“Too many disabled people have been stripped of the security and stability they need to live independent lives.

“The next Government must make sure no further cuts are made to disability benefits so that disabled people can rely on support without the constant fear of having it taken away.”

There are more than 13 million disabled people in the UK, who spend an average of £550 extra every month on costs related to their condition.

However, charities in the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) say disabled people have borne the brunt of welfare reforms.

The DBC has also raised concerns about the work capability assessment, which tests people on whether they are fit to work.

Disabilities Minister Penny Mordaunt this week said this assessment treated people “like they’re in a sausage factory” as she pledged to reform it if the Tories were returned to power.