Contributions
625 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Fourth sitting)Government amendments 18 and 19 will have the effect of removing services operating in Wales from the scope of clause 24(4). Amendment 18 will mean that only services that have…01 Jul 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Fourth sitting)I beg to move amendment 18, in clause 24, page 20, line 41, after “1985” insert “, in connection with a local service which has one or more stopping places in England,”. This…01 Jul 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Fourth sitting)The Government recognise the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in driving economic growth. The hon. Members for Wimbledon, for North Norfolk and for South Devon…01 Jul 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Fourth sitting)As I said, any decisions should be underpinned by a rigorous and prudential approach to financing and resources. All local authorities have a duty to manage public money well.…01 Jul 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Fourth sitting)In my time as a Minister, I have visited a number of municipal bus companies and they have all been absolutely outstanding. That is not just my view; look at the awards they have…01 Jul 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI am sorry to hear about the impact that that is having on Dorothy. As my hon. Friend will know, bus services are a devolved matter in Scotland. In England, we are taking action…26 Jun 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsParticipants in the bus fare cap are only able to increase bus fares by inflation, so if the hon. Gentleman wants to speak to me outside the Chamber, I would be happy to take that…26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Second sitting)It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Dr Allin-Khan. At the conclusion of our sitting on Tuesday, I had begun to address the points made by the shadow Minister, the hon.…26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Second sitting)The clause is about mobilisation periods for franchising areas. Existing law states that there must be a period of at least six months between the franchising contracts being made…26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Second sitting)The hon. Member for Broadland and Fakenham spoke about the removal of minimum mobilisation periods. It is consistent with the aims of the Bill to empower local transport…26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Sir Desmond. The Bill recognises that commercial operators can play a key role in providing commercial services that complement…26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)I am going to try and make some progress. We have spent a significant amount of time on this. The hon. Member for Broadland and Fakenham once again raised Manchester’s experience…26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)I did not give way, but I appreciate the hon. Member’s additional comments.26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)I completely agree. The clause is intended to ensure that local transport authorities understand the perspective of disabled people and make franchising schemes that are better…26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)Clause 12, alongside the schedule to the Bill, sets out new, bespoke variation procedures for authorities to follow when they wish to make changes to a franchising scheme. The…26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)I have nothing to add.26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)I have already explained our position. Question put and agreed to. Clause 12 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill. Schedule Procedure for varying franchising scheme…26 Jun 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [ Lords ] (Third sitting)I will start with amendment 57, tabled by the hon. Members for Wimbledon and for North Norfolk, which would require the Secretary of State to assess the adequacy of central…26 Jun 2025HANSARDLocal Bus ServicesThe Government are kick-starting a revolution in bus services across the country, delivering the right services in the right places at the right fare levels to serve local…26 Jun 2025HANSARDLocal Bus ServicesI congratulate Stoke-on-Trent on its success. It is great to hear that local ambitions are being realised through new bus services, lower fares and more accessible buses. Funding…26 Jun 2025