DAVEY CELEBRATES CROSS-PARTY VICTORY FOR BLIND Local Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey this week celebrated a massive victory with his Parliamentary colleagues from both Labour and the Conservatives which gives blind people with guide dogs equal access to taxis. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association were delighted with the introduction of a law, due to come into force on 31st March, which will mean that people with guide dogs will no longer be able to be turned away and left stranded on the side of the road. The aims of the association's national campaign "Access for All" is to encourage local authorities to amend their licensing laws for private hire vehicles (minicabs) which currently fall outside of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The reception, which Edward Davey co-sponsored with Labour MP Andrew MacKinlay - who is also one of Mr Davey's constituents, living in Malden Rushett - and Conservative MP Caroline Spelman, also gave MPs an opportunity to meet Guide Dog Owners, Trustees from the Association and experience a blindfold walk with a guide dog around a specially constructed route in Parliament. Kingston and Surbiton's Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey said: "It is fantastic news for people who have guide dogs and relatives of blind people that the law now recognises how heavily they rely on guide dogs to get around on a day-to-day basis. "I was delighted to co-host this reception with my colleagues from the other parties, which has been hugely successful in drawing attention to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's 'Access for All' campaign. "But while this is a significant victory, we must continue to push to stand up for the rights of blind people across the country and especially in a busy city like London." Geraldine Peacock, Chief Executive of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association said: "We are delighted that Mr Davey has given us such invaluable support in organising what has been a very a successful event at the House of Commons attended by over 80 MPs. "Guide dog owners and other visually impaired people rely more than most on reliable and accessible taxi and private hire services to help them get around and live their lives. Edward Davey's understanding of this issue is very much appreciated." |
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