Oliver Dowden, MP for Hertsmere, was delighted to attend the Guide Dogs Access All Areas Lobby Day at the Houses of Parliament. Mr Dowden said: “It was great to welcome my constituents Kevin and Val Sheridan and Mia the Guide Dog to Parliament. Kevin is a local campaigner and a great ambassador for the work of the Guide Dogs. I was alarmed to hear about the difficulties he has had accessing some local shops in Borehamwood. "Last year, Guide Dogs carried out research that showed 3 in 4 assistance dogs owners have been refused access to business such as shops, restaurants and in particular taxis- though the Equality Act 2010 prohibits such discrimination. "I know that most local businesses welcome guide dogs but it is important that everyone knows they are under a legal duty to allow access for these wonderful lifelines for the blind. "I've also said I'll do a trial walk on a local high street with a guide dog to get a sense of what it's like to navigate local facilities without the benefit of sight.”