The Member of Parliament for Buckingham showed support for the rights of guide dog owners at an event in Parliament organised by the charity Guide Dogs.
Guide dogs are key for many people with sight loss to getting around independently, but research from the charity Guide Dogs has shown that 81% of guide dog owners have been turned away from shops, restaurants and others businesses because of their dogs.
This discrimination can be humiliating and debilitating, with almost half of guide dog owners saying they have changed their plans or restrict visits to avoid being refused.
Greg Smith MP learnt more about the charity’s campaign to strengthen the law and requirements for training to prevent access refusals from happening in the first place.
Commenting on the event, Greg Smith MP said: "It is utterly inconceivable that anyone would turn away someone with a guide dog from their premises, but sadly it does happen. In the Transport Select Committee, we took evidence this week from a gentleman with a guide dog who has been repeatedly refused use of mini cabs and refused passage on a cruise liner. It is unacceptable and everyone must obey the law and grant entry to guide dogs and their owners."
Eleanor Briggs, Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns at Guide Dogs, said: “Guide dog owners deserve to be able to live the lives they want and feel confident, independent, and supported in the world. However, too many guide dog owners continue to face discrimination and are turned away because they have their guide dog with them. That’s why we are calling for action to strengthen the law to end this unacceptable discrimination.”
