Protesters In Wheelchairs Target Nick Clegg’s Home

Hundreds of anti-cuts protesters have gathered outside Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s home in south-west London.

UK Uncut said disabled activists had chained their wheelchairs at both ends of the street in Putney where he lives.

The group, which is staging protest “street parties” in 10 UK cities, said it was targeting Mr Clegg as he was “one of the architects of austerity”.

A spokesman for the deputy prime minister has refused to comment on the demonstration.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said there were no reported arrests over the protest.

UK Uncut, which has previously targeted high profile people it believes are avoiding paying tax, said it was now targeting politicians.

Jean Sandler, 42, a UK Uncut supporter, said: “Nick Clegg is one of the architects of austerity; he’s a millionaire and lives in a £1m home.

“The cuts are a political choice of this government and the cabinet of out-of-touch millionaires, they are not necessary.

“These cruel cuts are designed to destroy our public services, the NHS, the welfare state and our future. The cuts are getting personal and so are our protests.”

Protesters have put up bunting along the street and some have even come with their children.

Participants said the mood appeared to be relaxed as protesters played music while others shared a picnic.

Simon Hope, who brought his four-year-old daughter, said: “I came to this protest because I think the government is trying to use the Jubilee next weekend to distract people from the cuts and the tough times people are facing.

“It’s brilliant that the party is on Nick Clegg’s road because he and the rest of the government are not listening to us, our petitions, our vigils or our marches.”

The group said street parties were being held in Bournemouth, Crawley, Derby, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Sheffield and York.

Activists have also gathered outside Mr Clegg’s constituency office in Fulwood in Sheffield where they are holding a 1940s themed street party.