Heavy police presence at disability funding protest

Campaigners have tried to occupy the grounds of Westminster Abbey in protest against the Government's decision to axe a fund for the disabled. At least ten police vans were part of a heavy police presence yesterday, with officers at times three rows deep to deal with around 100 protesters.

Tents were erected on the grass and draped with banners against the planned closure of the Independent Living Fund (ILF) for severely disabled people. The £320 million central government fund provides support to around 18,000 disabled people.

From June next year funding will be devolved to local authorities, but protesters claimed that cash-strapped councils would not be able to guarantee the same level of care.

Scuffles broke out a couple of times throughout the afternoon and Scotland Yard said one person had been arrested.