Contributions
625 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPublicly-controlled Bus Services: Ringfenced FundingAs part of our plan to deliver better bus services, the Government have committed to reforming bus funding by giving local authorities the tools they need to ensure services…10 Oct 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe are considering the benefits that have accrued as a result of the £2 bus fare and what steps we will take next. Of course, that will all form part of the spending review.10 Oct 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe are aware of concerns about the current legislative and regulatory framework and would be delighted to meet her to discuss that further.10 Oct 2024HANSARDRural Transport LinksWe will be making an announcement soon on that expansion.10 Oct 2024HANSARDRural Transport LinksThe Government know that Britain needs a modern transport network to help kickstart economic growth. Under the previous Government, the loss of thousands of vital bus services…10 Oct 2024HANSARDCost of Rail FaresI congratulate the hon. Member for Woking (Mr Forster) on securing this debate on rail fares, and all Members who have made contributions this evening. For the past 200 years, our…10 Oct 2024HANSARDCost of Rail FaresI agree, and I can assure my hon. Friend that in the very first week, when the Secretary of State took office, she summoned a number of companies to her office to hold them to…10 Oct 2024HANSARDCost of Rail FaresI thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention. Affordability is one of our six key objectives, so that prices, wherever possible, are kept at an affordable point that works for…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Rural Bus ServicesI am just about to finish, but go on—I have given way to everyone else.11 Sept 2024HANSARD Rural Bus ServicesI need to make progress. The Bill alone will not remove all the challenges facing the bus sector, so the Government will take further steps to deliver more reliable and accessible…11 Sept 2024HANSARD Rural Bus ServicesIt is an honour to serve with you in the Chair, Dame Siobhain. I want to start by thanking the hon. Member for Glastonbury and Somerton (Sarah Dyke) for securing this debate on…11 Sept 2024HANSARD Rural Bus ServicesI thank my hon. Friend for her intervention. Our announcement on Monday that all local transport authorities—not just those in mayoral combined authorities—will be able to explore…11 Sept 2024HANSARD Rural Bus ServicesI will certainly explore that with the hon. Member. Obviously it is a decision for the commercial operator whether to continue that service, but I am happy to explore that with…11 Sept 2024HANSARD Rural Bus ServicesVery briefly.11 Sept 2024HANSARD Rural Bus ServicesI thank the hon. Member for her intervention. We are committed to simplifying the plethora of different funding pots that are available for buses. We hope to deliver more…11 Sept 2024HANSARD Rural Bus ServicesI pushed for that when I was in opposition, and we did some consultation just before the general election. We are busy looking at the feedback and will report on it in due course.…11 Sept 2024HANSARD Rural Bus ServicesAs I said, it is important that local leaders get to decide—that they take back control of bus services, use the funding that is devolved to them and make informed decisions in…11 Sept 2024HANSARD Bus FranchisingI thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question and for his constructive engagement. I will certainly take up his recommendation to meet that grouping. Of course, all funding is…09 Sept 2024HANSARD Bus FranchisingI agree with my hon. Friend. We must turn the page on years of Conservative failure in local transport, which is why the forthcoming bus Bill, in conjunction with our…09 Sept 2024HANSARD Bus FranchisingI thank my hon. Friend for his question. He has already been a fierce advocate for public transport and bus services in his constituency. Local leaders, not private operators as…09 Sept 2024