by consensus of the Disability Activism Society

written by John Urquhart

Across the country young, middle aged, and elder disabled people have come together to form Crips Against Cuts (see also their linktr.ee, here).

We have seen that this has not always been easy.

But we have also seen that challenges that have arisen have been met with such admirable determination and solidarity to find solutions to those problems collectively, to build a new organisation to fight against the vicious and utterly unnecessary disability cuts imposed by this Labour government, that we are given courage as well..

It must be said that this is a hopeful thing, and we want to be clear in saying it. To be clear, too, in extending our deep and abiding solidarity to Crips Against Cuts. Not just because we agree with the cause and we abhor the decision to attack disabled people made by the Labour Party, but also because we see similarities in approach - in the desire to avoid the pooling of authority with individuals particularly. We see kinship.

We urge you to continue on that course, even though it can be a little tricky for newcomers from time to time. The liberation of working collaboratively without having to worry about who is in charge can be genuinely very energising - important, we know, for a movement that needs every last bit of its strength for the fight ahead.

And not only are they fighting back, with rapid creation of local protests in many locations across the UK and one online protest with excellent, fiery and motivating speeches but it is being done with creativity and without the imposition of hierarchy - and in such a space it is no surprise to find such creativity flourishing.

Both beautiful and haunting art was produced for the online protest, as well as creative and clever signage for the in person gatherings, and we look forward to seeing what else this burgeoning new movement produces - and in providing what support we can, as members of our own Disability Activism Society both participate directly and look to find ways that the wider Party can support the disabled community through the looming shadow of Austerity 2.0.

We are small but we are with you.