Campaigner spits at mayor candidate Jon Rogers at protest
MAYORAL candidate Jon Rogers was spat at by a demonstrator when he attended a protest over cuts to benefits for disabled people.
A man campaigning on behalf of a rival candidate also threw his cigarette at the Liberal Democrat hopeful, who is the city council deputy leader, during the Hardest Hit protest organised by the Bristol Disability Equality Forum outside the Council House yesterday.
Dr Rogers said he was "appalled" at what happened and said he believed the actions constituted "assault".
He says he was invited to join the protesters on College Green and listen to their concerns by the chair of the Bristol Older People's Forum.
Bissell's 8910E Aroma Pro is the ultimate in home cleaning giving you a machine that provides outstanding results when not just cleaning carpets but stairs and upholstery too.
Terms: Limited Stock Offer . FREE Delivery to most UK postcodes.
Contact: 01664 491439
Valid until: Tuesday, May 28 2013
The campaigner, Michael Wright, attempted to justify his actions by claiming Dr Rogers had "no place" at the march because of the council's planned closures of care homes.
The demonstration against central government changes to benefits for disabled people drew around 30 people and was otherwise peaceful.
But a breakaway group exchanged fiery comments with the Lib Dem and Mr Wright admitted spitting in front of Dr Rogers and throwing a lit cigarette at him.
The activist, who is campaigning for Trade Union and Socialist Coalition mayoral candidate Tom Baldwin, told The Post: "I don't think he has much of a place at a demonstration like this. He has closed operations for eight care homes in Bristol."
After Dr Rogers walked away from the fracas he said: "I have come down here to offer myself up to talk about disability issues, not to be abused in an appalling way. It's assault."
But Dr Rogers said he did not intend to take the matter further.
He added that current residents in four care homes being closed would have alternative accommodation.
Dr Rogers said: "Every single person in current care homes will be assessed and their needs will be identified. Nobody will be left behind."
Afterwards Mr Baldwin said: "I don't condone what Michael did but passions run high at events like this. Jon turned up when his council has cut a number of organisations and his party has cut in government. There were a lot of people there today who weren't pleased to see him."
Kaye Long, co-chairwoman of the forum organising the rally, focused on the government cuts which leave disabled people "hardest hit".
A report by the Children's Society and Disability Rights UK claims 230,000 severely disabled people are set to get between £28 and £58 less in benefits every week, while 100,000 children stand to lose up to £28 a week and up to 116,000 disabled people who work will be at risk of losing £40.
Ms Long said: "On a day-to-day basis the cuts will have a huge effect on people's basic human rights and living conditions. At least half a million disabled people will feel the negative effects."
Comments
by rooster13
Friday, October 26 2012, 7:24PM
“"I am against expansion of Bristol Airport" - so Mr Rogers won't be getting my vote either. Our politicians shouldn't be standing by whilst our great city falls further behind neighbours such as Cardiff, Birmingham etc.”
by Pub sign design
Friday, October 26 2012, 5:53PM
“Obviously this sort of juvinile act shouldn't be tolerated, but the way in which Bristol City Council has behaved over the last year, you can see 'why' it happened.
If you leave the Lib Dems to become an 'independent' candidate you will, unfortunately, drag with you the baggage of the councils actions, colourful trousers and a song I don't believe is enough to make people forget.
The 'Lib Dems'' are closing care homes, vunerable people are being treated appaulingly....and in response to criticism they blurt out statements like 'everyone will be re housed'......where is the compassion?......why did Cllr Glenise Morgan 'smile' on Points West a few weeks ago when telling everyone the 'good news'?.........you reap what you sow!”
by Brizz_Tony
Friday, October 26 2012, 5:25PM
“Much as I don't like Jon Rogers' stupid ideas, especially his party's stupid £50 million BRT2 route plans, I would never spit at him, and think whoever does is contemptible. I would never throw cigarettes at him, although as I don't smoke, it is academic.
Michael Wilson risks getting Jon Rogers some sympathy votes. He is a discourteous fool.”
by malky1935
Friday, October 26 2012, 4:37PM
“"I am pleased to see the planned expansion of rail service"
I'd be more impressed with some action rather than more plans - I'm sick of reading about schemes and proposed developments that never get further than the drawing board. You don't need an airport for a flight of fancy, could we not, just once in a while, have a bit of imagination. I've no idea how a rail expansion is supposed to compensate for airport expansion - I for one had no intention of flying from Lulsgate to Bath.”
by fortodayonly
Friday, October 26 2012, 4:19PM
“Typical the press takes the story in a different direction ,Its about how these cuts are affecting the most vulnerable people in our society. Now try and run the story again”
by malky1935
Friday, October 26 2012, 3:43PM
“"I am against expansion of Bristol Airport"
If for no other reason, here's another vote you will not be getting. Lib-Dem eh? Well, I hate Tories* so I wouldn't vote for you in a million years. I'm sorry you were spat at, I can only imagine the guy mistook you for Nick Clegg.
*Don't be too despondent, as I hate all our smug self-serving, self-satisfied, professional political class - but Nick Clogg especially (personally I draw the line well before spitting though).”
by markw65
Friday, October 26 2012, 3:41PM
“As usual, the token 'anarchist', who has their own agenda, gets all the publicity from the media, as well as giving free publicity to two of the mayoral candidates, while the actual reason for the demonstration (i.e. disabled people's fears of the cuts hitting them) gets a little bit at the end of the report.
Mark Williams - co-Chair Bristol Disability Equality Forum”
by GoveKnows
Friday, October 26 2012, 12:58PM
“No doubt Mr Wright is himself struggling to live off his trust fund. Bless.”
by pillowfight
Friday, October 26 2012, 12:46PM
“"I am against expansion of Bristol Airport"
You wont be getting my vote.”
by CllrJonRogers
Friday, October 26 2012, 12:37PM
“For the record @FromMendip I am against expansion of Bristol Airport, not the airport itself. I am pleased to see the planned expansion of rail services.
Dr Jon Rogers, Bristol Mayor candidate”