On Wednesday, I joined disability campaigners in their fight against the Tories’ appallingcuts in the level of support for people in the Work Related Activity Group of ESA (Employment and Support Allowance).

The cuts amount to £1500 per person and the extra activity required of people in this group means that many will not be able to afford to comply with the activity expected of them given the extra costs for many disabled people of day to day living. ESA is supposed to recognise this and that is why, originally, the benefit entitlement was set at a higher rate than for others trying to get back closer to the workplace or to find employment.

This is a cruel cost cutting measure from a heartless Government that targets the most vulnerable people relentlessly to make cuts and there is no group harder hit than disabled people. As a former Minister for Disabled People, I am only too aware of how despicable this behaviour is, so I was happy to join colleagues and disability campaigners to make clear my objection.