Parliamentary Lobby - DLA campaign

7.08.47pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 8th Dec 2006

Over 1200 blind and partially sighted people attended the parliamentary lobby at the House of Commons on 4 December 2006.

It was undoubtedly the largest lobby by blind and partially sighted people ever and arguably one of the largest ever lobbies of Parliament. It was a great event and powerfully demonstrated to the Government the strength of feeling amongst blind people about the Disability Living Allowance issue.

The support for the campaign amongst MPs is considerable and is growing. 166 MPs have so far signed the Early Day Motion. This is the second highest level of support out of 435 current EDMs tabled in this session of Parliament. Over 50 MPs were available at Westminster Hall to meet with their constituents.

At Westminster Hall we had speakers from all political parties as well as Anne McGuire the Minister for Disabled People. The Minister said she understands the level of feeling on this issue and that her Department was working with RNIB to find a solution.