Dr Neil Hudson, Epping Forest MP, Shadow DEFRA Minister and veterinary surgeon, used the Second Reading of the Government’s Railways Bill to urge that people work together to support access to rail for users of assistance dogs and guide dogs.
His intervention was an extension of his long-standing advocacy for equality of access for users of assistance and guide dogs, having worked closely with groups such as Guide Dogs UK to shine a spotlight on the unfair denial of access to establishments that those who use assistance dogs can face. While refusing people entry with assistance dogs is against the law, unfair refusal unfortunately takes place.
Only last month, Dr Hudson joined a coalition of organisations that provide assistance dogs, as well as users of them, to celebrate the important work they do for owners with an array of medical conditions including epilepsy and Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS).
In the Commons Chamber Dr Hudson said:
“As a veterinary surgeon, I am very conscious of a subset of dogs that we need to think about in relation to passenger access. Does he agree that people need to work together to ensure that people with assistance dogs and guide dogs have good access to the railway? In terms of modernisation and access, we need to keep those people in our mind.”
Richard Holden MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, replied:
“I totally agree with my Honourable Friend. It is clear that when it comes to modernisation, access and new trains, that is exactly what we want to see delivered, and there is no mention of that in the Bill.”
The Railways Bill, the topic of this debate, has been of concern to His Majesty’s Opposition as it significantly reduces the role of the independent regulator for rail by transferring many duties to Great British Railways, the body it will set up to take ownership of the railways. Worryingly also, aspects of the Bill could have negative impacts for the taxpayers, for example in prioritising Great British Railway services to track over successful providers whose access does not involve the use of taxpayer subsidy, and creating a negative environment for investment with its powers for Ministers to intervene at will, such as setting rail fares for example.
The Opposition hence voted against the Bill and have urged the Government to think again about introducing reforms that prioritise state intervention over efficiency and delivery for users.
Following the Second Reading of the Railways Bill, Dr Hudson commented:
“Better transport for everyone must mean everyone, including those who rely on assistance dogs. It is incumbent on everyone involved in transport to come together to ensure that the discrimination folk often face when it comes to public access is eliminated.”
Labour’s Railways Bill is unfortunately becoming a missed opportunity to do what is needed. I know that my constituents are seeing a concerning impact on C2C and Greater Anglia services since the Government’s encroaching move to public ownership.
Removing duties from the regulator is certainly not going to help hold the Government to account for failing to improve rail services. The Government need more scrutiny, not less, and I will do all I can to be a voice of scrutiny of its plans."
