RNIB response
Today the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) responds to the Queen's Speech by warning the Government to exercise caution in implementing their legislative programme to ensure that the Prime Minister's stated commitment to help "the most vulnerable, the most frail and the poorest"* is realised.
Partnership with Government
RNIB, the UK's leading eye health and sight loss charity, will seek to work in partnership with Government to ensure that the proposed cuts and legislative changes do not have an unfair impact on blind or partially sighted people. Recognising the importance of deficit reduction in these difficult times, the charity hopes Government will strike a fair balance in meeting the challenges ahead.
Making the UK a fairer place
RNIB Chief Executive, Lesley-Anne Alexander, says: "At RNIB we look forward to engaging constructively with the new Government. By working in partnership we aim to support the new administration in their ambition to make the UK a fairer place - particularly for disabled people. RNIB has a great deal of expertise across a range of policy areas and could add valuable support to the development of the comprehensive, wide reaching programme announced today.
Innovative solutions
"Of course, savings will have to be made, but RNIB is clear that those who already receive very little support, like blind and partially sighted people, must be protected. RNIB will actively seek to work with Government to find innovative solutions to the challenges ahead. This is particularly important in the arenas of education, health and social care, employment, welfare, transport and social inclusion. By working together we can build a fairer, stronger, more inclusive society."
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For further information or to arrange a media interview with an RNIB spokesperson, please contact RNIB Media Relations Team on 020 7391 2223 or email pressoffice@rnib.org.uk. Out of hours call 07968 482812.
Notes for Editors
*David Cameron, third televised leaders debate, 29 April 2010
RNIB will be following further policy announcements closely, as more detail of the Government's programme emerges. Areas of particular concern include:
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Access to culture, media and sport
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Access to transport
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Consumer protection measures
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Education
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Equalities and disability
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Health and social care
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Jobs and welfare
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Pensions and support for older people
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Support for families and children
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The role of communities and local government
About RNIB
Every day another 100 people in the UK will start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.
RNIB is a partner in the UK Vision Strategy, a ground-breaking UK-wide initiative which seeks a major transformation in the UK's eye health, eye care and sight loss services. The strategy was launched in April 2008 in response to a World Health Assembly global resolution to reduce avoidable blindness by the year 2020 and to improve support and services for blind and partially sighted people. To find out more visit: www.vision2020uk.org.uk/ukvisionstrategy.