Liz Lynne launches European Day of People with Disabilities

12.00.00am GMT Tue 3rd Dec 2002

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne launched the European Day for People with Disabilities at a conference at the European Parliament yesterday.

Liz Lynne stood in for the President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, at the conference of the European Platform for Rehabilitation, a European network of organisations dedicated to providing services for people with disabilities. She was asked to speak in her capacity as Vice President of the European Parliament's All-Party Disability Intergroup.

This year the European Day (3rd December) will raise awareness of the European Year of People with Disabilities 2003, of which Liz is the Parliament Rapporteur. This is a year of events and activities intended to celebrate the achievements of disabled people and to mainstream disabled people's rights.

Liz Lynne said:

"I am honoured to have been asked to speak at this conference. The European Year of People with Disabilities 2003 is an excellent opportunity to put the cause of rights for disabled people on the political agenda across Europe."

"Having steered the report that set up the European Year through Parliament, it is now up to disabled people and groups to take the lead in setting the agenda, as it should be. However, I am hopeful that the year will highlight the need for legislation guaranteeing disabled people's rights across the EU."

"Liz will be continuing her work in promoting the rights of people with disabilities next week, when she will be hosting a further conference on disabled people and sport. The conference will feature speeches from organisations representing both supporters and athletes with disabilities."