A media release from RNIB and Sense
A record-breaking number of MEPs have signed a written declaration (see notes) in the European Parliament to support accessible labelling. This marks an important milestone for blind, deafblind and partially sighted people as the declaration calls on the European Commission to launch a wide consultation on the feasibility of introducing a voluntary system of labelling in braille and other accessible formats.
In the UK, a strong campaign was led by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Sense, working with partners in other EU countries such as the European Blind Union. The written declaration was formally adopted by the European Parliament in Brussels on 23 June. With a record breaking 447 signatures, including 39 UK MEPs, it is the most well supported written declaration in this Parliament, highlighting the institution's commitment to fight the discrimination that blind, deafblind and partially sighted people experience when carrying out everyday tasks such as shopping.
Lord Low of Dalston
European Blind Union President and RNIB Vice-President, Lord Low of Dalston says: "This is a landmark victory. I am delighted with the overwhelming support from UK MEPs. Access to information must be addressed, otherwise blind and partially sighted people have no independence, no choice, and no safety - the success of this written declaration puts the issue back on the EU agenda."
Sue Brown, Head of Public Policy at Sense, the national deafblind charity, says: "Thank you Europe for joining the dots! This is a terrific result for people with visual impairments. Deafblind people tell us that access to information is a huge barrier to their independence and clear Braille labelling on product packaging will mean they can make more informed choices and safely use products in the home. We're now calling on the European Commission to ensure packaging in Europe's shops is fully covered in Braille dots."
RNIB and Sense
RNIB and Sense will continue to work with the European Parliament and other EU institutions to make sure that the right to access information becomes a reality for all blind, deafblind and partially sighted people.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Yashoda Sutton, RNIB Media Relations, on 020 7391 2223, email yashoda.sutton@rnib.org.uk
Vanessa Stevens, Sense, the national deafblind charity on 0207 520 0965, email vanessa.stevens@sense.org.uk,
Notes to editors
The Declaration
Written Declaration 14/2011 was sponsored by MEPs Konstantinos POUPAKIS, Ádám KÓSA, Cecilia WIKSTRÖM, Richard HOWITT and Eva LICHTENBERGER. Read the written declaration here: http://bit.ly/gVhlLm
A written declaration is a text of up to 200 words on a matter falling within the European Union's sphere of activities. MEPs can use written declarations to launch a debate on a subject that comes within the EU's remit. To be adopted, a written declaration needs to gather the signatures of an absolute majority of MEPs. Over the last 7 years, 623 written declarations were put forward by MEPs, but only 55 have been adopted.
List of 39 UK MEPs who signed written declaration 14/2011:
Catherine Bearder, Sharon Bowles, Michael Cashman, Chris Davies, Bairbre de Brún, Nirj Deva, Andrew Duff, Jill Evans, Fiona Hall, Malcolm Harbour, Mary Honeyball, Richard Howitt, Ian Hughton, Stephen Hughes, Sajjad Karim, Jean Lambert, Baroness Ludford, Elizabeth Lynne, George Lyon, Linda McAvan, Arlene McArthy, Edward McMillan-Scott, David Martin, Claude Moraes, Mike Natrass, Bill Newton Dunn, James Nicholson, Brian Simpson, Peter Skinner, Alyn Smith, Struan Stevenson, Catherine Stihler, Robert Sturdy, Charles Tannock, Keith Taylor, Goeffrey Van Orden, Derek Vaughan, Glenis Willmott, Marina Yannakoudakis
List of 33 UK MEPs who did not sign written declaration 14/2011:
John Stuart Agnew, Marta Andreasen, Richard Ashworth, Sir Robert Atkins, Gerard Batten, Godfrey Bloom, Philip Bradbourn, Andrew Henry Willian Brons, John Bufton, Martin Callanan, David Campbell Bannermann, Giles Chichester, Derek Roland Clark, Trevor Colman, William Dartmouth, Diane Dodds, James Elles, Nigel Farage, Vicky ford, Jacqueline Foster, Ashley Fox, Julie Girling, Nick Griffin, Daniel Hannan, Roger Helmer, Syed Kamall, Timothy Kirkhope, Emma McClarkin, Paul Nuttal, Nicole Sinclaire, Kay Swinburne, Diana Wallis, Sir Graham Watson
About RNIB
Everyday around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are around 2 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
About Sense
Sense is a national charity that has supported and campaigned for children and adults who are deafblind for over 50 years. There are currently 356,000 deafblind people in the UK and this number is set to increase by 60% to 570,000 people in 2030 with the over 70s most affected (74% of deafblind people in 2030). Find out more at www.sense.org.uk