Disabled rights demo shuts bridge

Seven people were arrested during the protest

Eight people have been charged with obstructing Westminster Bridge during a rush-hour protest.

The bridge in central London was closed after 40 people, some in wheelchairs, gathered there at 0700 GMT in a protest about disabled rights.

They say the government's draft Disability Discrimination Bill does not address the issues faced by disabled people.

The bill is being considered by a parliamentary scrutiny committee.

Andy Gill, of the Disabled Action Network (DAN), said the bill needed to help a wider range of disabled people.

He told BBC News Online: "The government has the opportunity to improve the lives of disabled people which they promised they would do.

This is the biggest package of improvements to civil rights for disabled people ever seen Department of Work and Pensions spokeswoman

"They are failing to live up to that promise and it's about time they talked to disabled people so they can understand the real issues that affect them."

Mr Gill said more needed to be done to provide disabled people with affordable housing and the services they need to live independent lives.

So far the draft bill has received a mixed reception.

Some groups have welcomed the extension of measures to protect people suffering from long-term illnesses.

The proposals will give disabled people more rights on public transport and public bodies will be required to promote disability equality.

'Protection from discrimination'

A Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) spokeswoman said the bill would bring "more areas of everyday life" into the scope of the Disability Discrimination Act.

She said: "These include dealing with the local council, catching the bus, joining a private club, renting a flat and giving protection from discrimination to more people living with MS, HIV and cancer, even before they show symptoms.

"This is the biggest package of improvements to civil rights for disabled people ever seen."

The scrutiny committee will publish a report making recommendations on the draft bill by the end of April 2004.

The eight protesters who were charged, two women and six men, will appear before Horseferry Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.