TRAFFORD MPs have united to condemn the controversial remarks made by the welfare minister Lord Freud.

The peer's comments - that some disabled people are not worth the minimum wage - sparked outrage among MPS and disability charities and campaigners.

Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston, slammed the remarks, calling them 'disgraceful.'

Ms Green said: "Disabled people are equal members of our society. Lord Freud's suggestion that some disabled people are worth less than the minimum wage is disgraceful.

"Anyone who holds views like that shouldn’t be in government. If David Cameron won’t act – Labour will: that's why we’ve called a debate in parliament on a motion of “no confidence' in Lord Freud."

Mike Kane, who represents Wythenshawe and Sale East, said Lord Freud's remarks were 'offensive.'

Mr Kane added: “Lord Freud’s offensive comments fly in the face of the pioneering work of the former Wythenshawe MP, Alf Morris, who in 1970 established the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act. Alf later became the country’s first Minister for Disabled People. Thanks to the work of pioneers like Alf we have come a long way in our understanding of disability and treatment of disabled people. However it appears that Lord Freud’s views are still stuck in a bygone era."

Graham Brady, who represents the Altrincham and Sale West constituency, said Lord Freud was right to 'apologise unreservedly' for the remarks he made.

But Mr Brady was quick to defend the Government's record on getting people with disabilities into work.

He said: "It is also right to judge the Government on its record in supporting disabled people and helping them into employment.

"The number of disabled people in work is 70,000 higher than at the end of the last government. Helping disabled people into work is often better for their health as well as raising their self-esteem and their living standards.’*

Messenger would like to hear from Trafford residents with disabilities about their experiences in the jobs market. Is the anti-discrimination law working? Write to Rick Bowen, Messenger, Alexander House, 94-6 Talbot Road, Old Trafford, M16 0PG or email rbowen@nqnw.co.uk