Multiple sclerosis sufferers 'march' against benefit cuts

The campaigners, representing tens of thousands of people with multiple sclerosis in Britain, "marched" 20 metres to the Department for Work and Pensions to highlight government plans to move the goalposts on how far someone can walk before their benefits are cut.

Under the new personal independence payment, disabled people will only qualify for an enhanced benefit rate if they're unable to walk more than 20m - slashed from 50m in the old rules.

The MS Society warned that this would put many at risk of losing their mobility vehicles and facing increased barriers to living independently.

They handed in a 4,000-signature letter to highlight how the plans ignore the complex walking difficulties with those suffering from MS.

An MS Society spokesman pointed out that while a sufferer may be able to walk 20m one day, they may not the next.

"We are saying it is about being able to do this repeatedly and safely."

A DWP spokesman said: "The higher-rate mobility was always meant to be for those disabled people who are unable to walk or virtually unable to walk.

"Individuals who can move more than 20m can still receive the higher rate, if they cannot move these distances safely, reliably, repeatedly and in a reasonable time period."