Guide Dogs in Taxis

That this House expresses concern that guide dog owners are being refused access to taxis; recognises that there should be no barriers to blind and disabled people accessing services, forms of transport and buildings; further recognises that guide dogs play an invaluable role in assisting people with sight difficulties in their day to day activities; notes that three out of four guide dog owners have been refused access to taxis, hotels and GP practices in a one year period according to figures from Guide Dogs UK; understands that refusals to taxis and minicabs are the most common; and calls on the Government to ensure that all taxi and minicab drivers undertake disability equality training so that no guide dog owners are refused access anywhere based on their disability again.