Victoria Atkins MP recently met with guide dog owners in the Houses of Parliament to hear about their experiences of being turned away by businesses. Over 100 guide dog owners travelled to Westminster from across the country to talk to MPs about the discrimination they face in their daily lives.
Victoria gave her support to the charity Guide Dogs’ “Access All Areas” campaign to ensure guide dog owners can carry out everyday activities such as travel by taxi or go to the local shops, without the being turned away. Three out of every four guide dog owners has been turned away from a taxi, business or service because of their dog.
Victoria said,
“Everyone deserves to live their daily lives free from discrimination. It is not only wrong for businesses to turn away those using guide dogs, it is illegal.
I was pleased to meet with guide dog owners an hear their experiences first hand.
I support Guide Dogs’ call for more disability equality training, and for appropriate action to be taken against those who illegally discriminate against guide dog owners.”
