Paralympics and politics clash in Britain

[September 04, 2012]  LONDON (AP) -- Paralympics and politics are proving an uneasy mix.

George Osborne, the official charged with putting the faltering British economy back on track, was roundly booed Monday night when he presented medals at the Paralympic Games. Prime Minister David Cameron heard boos and cheers when he presented swimming medals.

The reaction gives a hint to why Cameron is reshuffling his Cabinet on Tuesday. His government is unpopular, and Treasury chief Osborne is the least popular member of it.

Some British athletes in the Paralympics have spoken out against government plans to removed disability benefits for half a million people. There have also been complaints about the French company Atos being a sponsor of the Paralympics, because it has been hired to review individual eligibility for benefits.

[Associated Press]

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