MEPs demand action on accessible labelling
We won an important battle in European Parliament on 23 June as a written declaration on accessible labelling was signed by a record-breaking number of Members of European Parliament.
MEPs show their support
The text, which was initiated by MEPs Konstantinos Poupakis and Ádám Kósa, with the support of MEPs Cecilia Wikström, Richard Howitt and Eva Lichtenberger, calls on the European Commission to encourage a voluntary system of labelling in Braille and other accessible formats.
Following a strong campaign by RNIB and Sense in the UK, and by partners in other EU countries, the written declaration was formally adopted during a plenary session of the European Parliament on 23 June. With a record breaking 447 signatures, it becomes the most supported written declaration in this Parliament, highlighting the institution's commitment to fight the discrimination that blind and partially sighted people experience when carrying out everyday tasks such as shopping.
UK MEPs back the campaign
39 of the 72 UK MEPs signed the written declaration, which is expected to relaunch the debate on accessible labelling at EU level. We will use this success to keep the issue of labelling on the EU agenda, but also to show ministers, MPs and industry that we now have the overwhelming support of the European Parliament on this issue.
For more information, please contact
campaigns@rnib.org.uk