Hardest Hit Christmas choir sings for the Government

14 December 2011

A choir of disabled people sang the Christmas blues outside Parliament on 13 December in protest against Government welfare reforms which will hit disabled people the hardest.

The choir performed familiar Christmas favourites with a twist, including 'David It's Cold Inside' (full lyrics below) and 'It Won't Be a Merry Christmas' alongside a giant Christmas card petition signed by over 20,000 people.

The card, designed by the political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe and later hand delivered to Number 10 Downing Street, calls on David Cameron and Nick Clegg to protect the basic rights of disabled people.

This latest action by The Hardest Hit campaign coincides with the Report Stage of the Welfare Reform Bill in the House of Lords.

Heartfelt messages from inside the card include:

"Please remember that while you are enjoying all the fun and activity of the Christmas and New Year holidays with your families, many sick and disabled people will be worrying about the effects of the benefit changes… I shall be wondering if this will be the last Christmas that I will able to afford to keep warm in my home."

"I live with a chronic illness which is a daily struggle. Please don't add to my burden by introducing these benefit changes."

David it's cold inside

I'm all alone in my flat
(oh David it's cold inside)
I've got nothing to do
(oh Cleggy it's cold inside)
I can't pay my phone
(oh David it's cold inside)
Been hoping someone will heed our cries
Please hold my hands they're just like ice
I'm really starting to worry
(so please Lords start to hurry )
I'll have to spend Christmas alone
(oh Cleggy it's cold inside)
I've not seen a soul in days
(oh David it's cold inside)
I'm trapped inside with just fear and there's no food to eat
Needless to say there's no heat
(oh David it's really cold inside)

It won't be a Merry Christmas

It won't be a Merry Christmas
It won't be a Merry Christmas
It won't be a Merry Christmas or a happy New Year
Good tidings we hope from Dave and from Nick
Good tidings for a life -So please don't turn a deaf ear
Oh throw us some ho –ope
Or we all won't co-ope
Please change your tune and give us something to cheer
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
So keep our DLA here
It won't be a Merry Christmas
It won't be a Merry Christmas
It won't be a Merry Christmas or a happy New Year
Good tidings we hope from Dave and from Nick
Good tidings for a life -Now give us something to cheer