Euro-MP Welcomes Government Announcement of Disability Legislation

5.16.45pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Nov 2004

Responding to the Queens Speech Liz Lynne Liberal Democrat Disability Spokesperson in the European Parliament welcomed the proposals for legislation to increase the rights of disabled people.

Speaking following the Speech the West Midlands Euro-MP said that although we have still to learn the detail of what they are proposing she said that at last Governments seem to be taking disabled people seriously.

"I very much hope this announcement in the Queens Speech means that at long last the Government is going to bring transport companies under the Disability Discrimination Act. They remain exempt from this law yet perversely access to public transport is one of the main problems disabled people have today.

"Recently train companies have banned four wheel scooters and BA are still refusing to allow guide dogs in the cabin with their owners. Transport companies must be made to provide access to everyone. By failing to address these problems they are potentially costing their businesses millions of pounds in revenue.

"I also welcome proposals for a new Commission for Equality and Human Rights. It will provide a single point of contact where individuals, businesses or other organisations can get information.

Commenting on other aspects of the Governments proposals Liz Lynne said:

"However I am alarmed at the Government's attempts to reduce peoples freedoms by promoting a climate of fear. It is ironic that the US and UK Governments continue to try and justify their war on Iraq by saying they are bringing freedom to these countries, while at the same time taking away the freedoms of their own citizens."

ENDS