Disability rights protesters attempt to storm House of Commons during PMQs

Protesters demonstrating against cuts to disability payments have attempted to storm into the chamber of the House of Commons during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs).

Scenes of chaos erupted just outside PMQs as some two dozen protesters calling for the safeguarding of the Independent Living Fund attempted to gain access to the debating chamber, but were rebuffed at the last minute.

Police arrived to break up the protests in which demonstrators, some of them in wheelchairs, chanted slogans and held placards emblazoned with "save the Independent Living Fund" in the House of Commons lobby.

London Metropolitan Police has said in a statement that one person and their carer were ejected from the Palace of Westminster for disorderly behaviour but no one was arrested.

It said: "At around 12:20hrs officers were alerted to the protesters attempting enter the Commons chamber."

"Public access to the Central Lobby was restricted for around 30 minutes whilst officers dealt with the situation. At no point was security compromised."

Orderly protesters were permitted to remain in the lobby, the police said.

The protesters had been standing calmly talking to reporters before they attempted to rush the doors into the debating chamber.

However, the doors were closed just before they were able to push through and PMQs continued without any interruption. Members inside appeared not to have noticed that the protest was going on.

The protesters disagree with planned scrapping of the Independent Living Fund, which provides assistance to 18,000 severely disabled people. The scheme is set to end on 30 June and those previously cared for under the fund will have their care met by local councils.

Public access to the Central Lobby was restricted for around 30 minutes whilst officers dealt with the situation.

At no point was security compromised.