Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on supporting assistance dog owners in public transport spaces.

Assistance dogs play a vital role in helping their owners to travel independently, confidently and in safety, and it is essential that they are granted access to public transport services.

Specific legislation and conditions of carriage protect assistance dog owners travelling on transport modes, by air, sea, and on land, and I urge authorities responsible for enforcing the rules to challenge discriminatory behaviour effectively.

The Government has committed in its Inclusive Transport Strategy to raising public and transport staff awareness of the rights and needs of disabled passengers, so that everyone, including those travelling with assistance dogs, can reach their destination easily, confidently and at no additional cost.