What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Theresa May was accused of taking Britain back to the 1940s in its attitude to disabled people tonight.

The Prime Minister was taken to task during a “telephone town hall” where callers could grill the Tory leader.

One woman, Jane, roasted Mrs May about the Tories scrapping a fund to help disabled people live independently.

She demanded: “What was the thinking behind that?

“Why are you sending attitudes towards disabled people back to 1940?”

The shocked PM spluttered: “I’m afraid I’m going to slightly disagree with you, Jane, because I don’t agree with your characterisation there of what we’ve done.

(Image: Getty)

“We have made changes to the benefit payments that are available for disabled people.

“Something like £50billion a year is being spent on support for disabled people and people with health conditions.

“What we’ve done is first of all tried to focus the funding on those people who are particularly vulnerable , those who are most in need.

“We’ve also looked for those people who are disabled, many of whom want to get in the workplace, could be getting in the workplace - at the extra support we give them to do that.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“Of course we’ve changed the sort of payment available with the new personal independence payment, but also we’ve got extra support available in terms of trying to get more disabled people and give them the help and support they need to get into the workplace.”

Mrs May was also quizzed about tough Brexit talks with the EU.

She insisted: “We aren’t going to roll over and just give in.”

She told one caller: “Don’t you worry, I’m going to be batting for a good deal.”