Action on Disability invited all the major parties to its Hammersmith and Fulham hustings planned for April 20
Action on Disability was begun in Hammersmith and Fulham in 1979(Image: Action on Disability)
A West London disability charity has had to cancel its local election hustings after just one party confirmed it would be attending.
Action on Disability (AoD), which was started in Hammersmith and Fulham in 1979 and offers services and support to people with disabilities, was due to host its event on Monday (April 20).
The charity had written to the Conservative, Green, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Reform parties, though due to a combination of candidates not being available or internal communications errors, only the Tories were due to turn up.
Labour and the Lib Dems have said they would be happy to take part in a rescheduled event, with the former saying neither its Leader nor Deputy Leader were able to attend the dates offered.
Reform UK was also approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication. It is understood the party did respond to AoD, also confirming it was unable to send a representative.
‘This is particularly disappointing’
AoD Chief Executive David Buxton OBE said repeated attempts were made to invite all of the major political parties, including follow-up emails and phone calls, ahead of the planned hustings.
In a statement Mr Buxton said the lack of attendees other than the Conservative group would “not allow for a balanced and meaningful debate for our community”.
He continued: “This is particularly disappointing, as previous election events have seen strong engagement from all parties and have provided an important opportunity for deaf and disabled residents to hear directly from candidates.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s offices(Image: Google)
“We had made all necessary arrangements in good faith, including booking BSL [British Sign Language] interpreters, speech-to-text support, and the venue, to ensure the event was fully accessible and inclusive.”
Mr Buxton said disabled residents are encouraged to contact Hammersmith and Fulham Coalition Against Cuts (HAFCAC), which has received written responses from local parties, to better understand each group’s position.
“It is especially important to recognise that Hammersmith and Fulham Council is currently the only local authority in the country not charging for home care and is committed to promoting Independent Living within its vision. The council has also shown strong support for co-production and disability equality.
“We want to see any new administration continue these important commitments. Deaf and disabled people must be able to continue engaging, participating, and having their voices heard in shaping local services and decisions.”
A British Sign Language interpreter was lined up for the event to ensure it was accessible (stock photo)(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
‘Other parties talk a big game’
James Windsor-Clive, Chair of the Conservative Disability Group and a candidate for Walham Green, said: “This is exactly what frustrates residents about politics. The other parties talk a big game about social justice but will not even show up when it matters. Open debate should be the bare minimum of a thriving democracy. We were ready to engage, defend our record and our plans.
“The Conservatives are the only party with a serious, thought-through plan for Hammersmith and Fulham. It includes making services genuinely accessible. It seems we are the only party not afraid to stand up and fight for that.”
A Hammersmith and Fulham Labour spokesperson said: “Our commitment to disabled people is second to none. We are always ready to debate the rights of disabled people and cost of living support with the Conservatives and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK – because our record speaks for itself.
“Thanks to the extraordinary work done by our pioneering Disabled People’s Commission, comprised entirely of residents with disabilities, we deliver some of the best services for disabled people in the country.
“With regret, neither the Leader or Deputy Leader could make the dates which were offered then changed at short notice. However, if alternative arrangements can be agreed, we will be very happy to take part as always.”
A Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats spokesperson apologised to AoD and deaf and disabled residents, saying their candidates did not receive the original invitations and that the group is reviewing its internal systems. They added the party would welcome the opportunity to participate in a future event.
They said: “We are fully committed to protecting the council’s provision of free home care, which enables people with disabilities and elderly residents to continue living independently in their own homes, a commitment we would not only maintain but champion. We would also push harder and faster to reduce adult social care waiting times, which were flagged by the CQC as recently as 2025 as requiring improvement, with some residents waiting far too long for assessments.
“Deaf and disabled residents deserve to be heard, and we are sorry we were late to reply to this opportunity. We hope to make that right.”
A Green Party spokesperson said: “We’re sorry that a communication error meant we failed to respond to a request to provide a representative for the Action on Disability hustings in Hammersmith and Fulham.
“The Green Party is committed to increasing disability benefits, reforming intrusive eligibility tests such as PIP, and investing in accessible homes and public transport so disabled people can live independently. We would also improve access to education by strengthening SEND support, ensuring all teachers receive specialist training, and guaranteeing free transport for 16–18-year-olds with special educational needs and disabilities.
“We would take action to close the disability employment gap by requiring employers to implement Access to Work recommendations, report disability pay gaps, and record disability-related leave separately from sickness absence.
“We would also establish a Disabled People’s Commissioner in both England and Wales to strengthen enforcement of disability rights, and incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into domestic law. Disabled people deserve dignity, independence and full participation in society. The Green Party is committed to delivering the systemic change needed to make that a reality.”
The local elections are to be held on May 7, at which all 50 Hammersmith and Fulham Council seats will be up for grabs. You can see a full list of candidates in our separate article.
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