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Bus Services: Blaydon
02 November 2022
Lead MP
Liz Twist
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EmploymentTransportLocal Government
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Liz Twist raised concerns about bus services: blaydon 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
MP Liz Twist highlighted the significant impact of proposed bus service cuts by Go North East on her constituents in Blaydon, including Kibblesworth and Birtley. She detailed issues such as last-minute cancellations, overcrowding, and increased travel costs due to cancelled routes. Her speech emphasised the need for reliable, regular, and affordable services to support daily commutes and essential activities like healthcare appointments. Twist raised concerns over funding gaps post-covid recovery grants and called for assurances on continued financial support. She also advocated for improved driver recruitment and retention strategies, along with sustained investment in zero-emission buses.
Richard Holden
Con
North West Durham
Holden praised Liz Twist's work and acknowledged the issues she raised regarding bus services, expressing his support for her concerns on local transport needs.
Government Response
Minister Eleanor Laing acknowledged the importance of reliable public transportation, particularly buses. She highlighted the Government's £3 billion investment in improving bus services and confirmed funding for the North East BSIPs, though exact allocations were pending confirmation. The Minister discussed initiatives aimed at reducing emissions through zero-emission buses and stressed the significance of driver shortages on service reliability. Laing assured continued support for local authorities to maintain essential transport links while emphasising future plans to increase bus affordability and punctuality. She invited further engagement with Twist regarding these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
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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.