Chief Executive responds to government Minister announcement

“We welcome the appointment of Mims Davies MP as Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work. With the change in this portfolio, we hope the Minister can provide the time that is needed in this role. We look forward to working with her on disability policy moving forward, especially in such a challenging climate for so many disabled people.

“Our latest Annual Disability and Activity Survey showed the need for urgent action to support disabled people in sport and activity across the country. The benefits of being active are clear, yet disabled people are twice as likely as non-disabled people to be inactive. This is not fair or right and to level up means levelling the playing field for everyone. Everyone deserves the right to be active, however and wherever they choose to be.

“Only a few weeks ago, I was part of the APPG for sport at Westminster, raising concerns from our insight. We cannot afford to fall behind on actions and indeed, policy changes that enable more disabled people to be active. The year ahead is a crucial one for many in our communities, but disabled people need immediate action. In sport, barriers have been exacerbated, and we are still waiting to see the consultation from the National Disability Strategy action plan.

“The wide breadth of barriers that disabled people face need to be at the heart of policymakers' decisions. That includes the wider determinants that prevent disabled people from being active. It is positive that the Minister has a strong understanding of sport, following her previous tenure as the Minister for Sport. As the leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity, we remain committed to working with the government to achieve these ambitions.”