Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Disabled MP calls on Starmer to tackle blue badge theft

Labour’s Liam Conlon said blue badge theft has quadrupled over the last 10 years.

Rhiannon James
Wednesday 04 December 2024 08:43 EST
Labour’s Liam Conlon said a blue badge is key to ensuring disabled people can live an independent life (Jonathan Brady/PA)
Labour’s Liam Conlon said a blue badge is key to ensuring disabled people can live an independent life (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Blue badge theft has more than quadrupled over the last 10 years, a disabled MP told the Commons, as he called on the Prime Minister to tackle the issue.

Labour’s Liam Conlon said a blue badge is key to ensuring disabled people can live an independent life.

Sir Keir Starmer said the Government is working closely with local authorities to crack down on fraud and misuse of blue badges.

Will the Prime Minister back my campaign to tackle blue badge theft and ensure millions of disabled people can work, socialise and live an independent life

Liam Conlon

During Prime Minister’s Questions, the Beckenham and Penge MP said: “Yesterday, marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and I’m proud to be one of the disabled MPs in this House.

“As a sixth former, I became one of the youngest people in Britain to have a hip replacement, and I relied on a blue badge. Data released yesterday shows blue badge theft has more than quadrupled in the past 10 years.

“Will the Prime Minister back my campaign to tackle blue badge theft and ensure millions of disabled people can work, socialise and live an independent life?”

The Prime Minister replied: “Can I thank him for being a powerful voice for some of the most vulnerable in our society?

“Look, theft of a blue badge is appalling. Depriving people of their independence and ability to travel with confidence has a real human impact every single time, and that’s why we’re working closely with local authorities to help them tackle fraud and misuse.

“And I’ll make sure he has a meeting with the relevant minister.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in