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School Minibus Safety
12 February 2026
Lead MP
Sarah Edwards
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
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Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Sarah Edwards raised concerns about school minibus safety in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Sarah Edwards raised the issue of school minibus safety, highlighting a tragic incident from 1993 where 12 children and their teacher lost their lives in a crash. She argued that current regulations allowing teachers to drive minibuses without full professional training are inadequate. The guidance is not legally enforceable, leading to inconsistencies across schools and regions. Edwards called for stronger statutory regulations, mandatory professional training for drivers, and comprehensive safety standards for all school minibuses. She urged the government to address these issues to ensure children's safety.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Lilian Greenwood congratulated Sarah Edwards on her debate and acknowledged improvements made since the tragic incident in 1993. She recognised that more can be done to ensure road safety, especially for students, school staff, and teachers travelling in minibuses.
Government Response
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the importance of the issue raised by Sarah Edwards and Lilian Greenwood. She outlined current measures to support safe use of permits, including guidance for permit holders and specific guidance for schools on driving school minibuses. The minister committed to further discussions between relevant departments to address the challenges highlighted, particularly around ensuring safety standards are consistent across different types of schools. She also noted that the government's road safety strategy aims for a 70% reduction in child casualties by 2035 and pledged to raise the point regarding schools with officials.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.