Those attending the DPAC rally against the government’s cuts to welfare for the disabled braved both weather and disgraceful aggression from right-wing activists, reports Jon Harding

Disabled People Against the Cuts held a rally at the far end of Parliament Green, on Monday afternoon and early evening, where water and paper fans were distributed to help with the heat. As if that wasn’t enough to endure, disabled people, along with carers and supporters had to hold their line against aggressive disruption from members of a pro-war event on the other side of the green.

No one at the far end the Green wanted the cruel cuts to go ahead, and the sense of solidarity was palpable, as was the anger. There was a true fighting spirit, and we were treated to speech after brilliant speech, many of which brought tears to the eye. Even the inspiring statue of Mahatma Gandhi seemed moved.

Liz Kendall had just finished explaining to those privileged few in the Palace of Westminster how she intended to cheat us all. First, she said she wanted to use Pip cuts to help disabled people into work. When it was pointed out that Pip isn’t just for those who are out of work, she changed her story. She claimed the state couldn’t afford to pay disabled people the welfare upon which they currently rely. Apparently, it’s better to spend money on warfare.

Welfare Not Warfare was certainly the theme of the afternoon, despite Iranian monarchists demonstrating on the Palace of Westminster side of the Green. The son of the deposed Shah of Iran had been invited to address parliament. At first they were content to beat their drums, and wave their flags. Their Iranian monarchist, Zionist, US and UK flags provided a colourful spectacle in front of parliament’s glowing golden stonework. Unfortunately, some of the monarchists and Zionists demonstrators became bored, and tried to disrupt the DPAC event.

Stewards did a good job, and prevented too much disruption, at first, but when the Shah’s son left in his black SUV, then even more monarchists and Zionists vented their anger on the DPAC event. While Jeremy Corbyn spoke, disabled people and their supporters had to link arms to prevent the event being overrun by flag-waving men and women shouting abuse. The police stood by, claiming they’d only intervene if there was an actual assault. The bravery of disabled people, many of whom were in wheelchairs was impressive, the line wasn’t broken, and the speeches continued.

As one speaker pointed out, disabled people know how to fight, as they have had to fight all their lives. Now disabled people are fighting, not only for their own dignity, personal independence, and basic human rights, but they are also fighting for those who are not yet disabled, and those who have not yet been born.

DPAC put on a magnificent event, and those who attended put up a brilliant defence in the face of totally unwarranted aggression. As Lisa Hammond said, disabled people should be put at the heart of things. We shouldn’t allow a single disabled person to be marginalised any further than they already are. In fact, more resources should be made available to disabled people, and less money spent disabling people through warfare.

One of the highlights for many was when Sophia from DPAC sang. Her  reworking of a couple of Tracey Chapman tunes offered a beautiful contrast to the despicable behaviour of Starmer’s government and the far-right thugs on the Green.

Monday’s event meant our argument was heard,  right at the heart of the UK state. Tomorrow (Tuesday 1 July at 1pm) there will be another demonstration. The more people who can attend, the better. We cannot allow our rights to be attacked, nor can we allow our demonstrations to be attacked by violent supporters of oppression, war, and genocide.