I am very concerned indeed about the future and the implications of this new Tory ‘government’ for disabled people. Under labour, of course, I think it fair to say we flourished: we could employ our own staff, public transport became accessible, and more disabled kids were included in mainstream education than ever. Of course, it wasn’t perfect, and there was a long way still to go, but I honestly fear that the Tories will now undo the progress we made. We know they’re planning to reverse the trend towards inclusion under the euphemism of choice. They’re also planning cuts in spending deeper than ever before: all it would take is for one of them to look at the direct payments scheme and to think: ‘it would be cheaper to put these cripples back into homes. That way, we can tax less, and we won’t have to look at them, too.’ Mark my words: under the Tories, given a choice between our freedom and higher taxes, it’s our freedom which will be at risk.