ParalympicsGB expressed 'deep concern' at lack of minister for disabled people

Dave Clarke played for the England and Great Britain blind football teams for 17 years between 1995-2012

ParalympicsGB has expressed "deep concern" at the UK government's decision not to have a minister of state for disabled people.

Chief executive Dave Clarke said the move means disabled people "do not have a voice at the top level of government".

The role was downgraded to a junior level last month.

An open letter to the prime minister, signed by 57 sporting bodies, has called for the role to be reinstated.

"It is so important disabled people are valued for the important role that they play across our society," said Clarke.

"That is why we and our partners from across the system are urging the government to reverse its decision and ensure that there is representation at the very top so we can work towards achieving equality for disabled people in this country."

Sporting organisations to sign the letter include UK Athletics, British Cycling and the British Olympic Association.

Justine Baynes, chief executive of another of the signatories, British Wheelchair Basketball, said: "With this one decision, the government have stated that 24% of the population are not a priority and do not need to have their voices heard.

"Furthermore, absorbing the role into a junior Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) position demonstrates that people with a disability are simply viewed as benefit claimants rather than being valued for the important role that they play across our society.

"We have a major problem in this country around attitudes to disability and decisions like this only compound the issue. We need to change the narrative so that nearly a quarter of the people in our country are valued, recognised and heard.  Only by ensuring that we have representation for disabled people within our government will this change."

Mims Davies was appointed to the role in December within the DWP as a parliamentary under secretary of state - the lowest rung of the ministerial ladder.

Davies' predecessor Tom Pursglove was a minister of state when he held the job.

A UK government spokesperson said Davies "will build upon this government's track record of supporting disabled people, having delivered millions of cost of living payments and helping over one million more disabled people into work five years earlier than planned.

"The minister will help ensure there is always a strong safety net for the most vulnerable in our society, while tearing down barriers so that every disabled person can realise their potential and thrive."

Paris hosts the 2024 Paralympics from 28 August to 8 September.

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