Euro-MP renews call for equal rights for disabled people across EU.

4.52.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 28th Oct 2004

On being re-elected vice-president of the European Parliament all party Disability Intergroup last night, West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne renewed her call for a disability directive.

Last Year at the closing ceremony of the European Year of People with Disabilities, the then Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou said the Commission was committed to introducing a specific disability directive.

Speaking after her election she said:

"We need common rights for disabled people across the EU including in the new accession countries and only a specific Disability Directive can ensure this so that disabled people can have access to goods and services as well as to employment.

"It is time that bus, train and airline companies across Europe were subject to the same rules as everyone else regarding disability discrimination legislation. One of the areas that needs to be addressed is regarding the treatment of guide dogs on planes.

"Despite changes to quarantine laws which now mean guide dogs can travel with their owners in the cabin, only a handful of European routes permit this and charge passengers for the transportation of Guide Dogs. This is yet another example of the discrimination suffered by disabled passengers.

"I welcome the European Commission statement that they intend to introduce legislation to assist persons with reduced mobility and ensure the unacceptable costs that they face will be removed.

"We all in the Disability Intergroup will continue to hold the commission to account on the promises they have made for disabled people and to campaign for equal rights across the EU.

ENDS

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 0033388177521 (Strasbourg) or 077644 52725(mobile) or Press Officer Stuart Ritchie on 01789 266354 or 07833668158