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Transport
05 February 2020
Lead MP
Andy McDonald
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationTransportClimate
Other Contributors: 48
At a Glance
Andy McDonald raised concerns about transport 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
The UK’s transport emissions have not substantially fallen since 1990 and have increased since 2010. Labour calls on the Government to develop a plan to eliminate the majority of transport emissions by 2030, decarbonise the entire bus network, invest in an electric vehicle charging infrastructure, cut public transport fares, increase patronage, fund cycling and walking initiatives, introduce clean air zones, and bring aviation emissions within climate targets. The former Conservative rail and environment Minister Claire O’Neill has criticised the Government's failure to provide leadership on climate change; transport is the most emitting sector of the UK economy, responsible for over a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions and higher than in 2010.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Welsh Labour Government supports building a new station east of Cardiff, St Mellons Parkway, to ensure more people can access green public transport in the city's eastern area.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Asked Andy McDonald about what happened to transport emissions under Labour Government from 1997 to 2007, before the financial crash.
Battersea
Emphasised that under Labour's plans, decarbonising transport would ensure an inclusive network for disabled people with good quality of life and access to public transport.
Noted the UK has done more than practically any other country in the world to cut carbon dioxide emissions since 1990, while China expands coal extraction and power; questioned Labour's message to China ahead of COP26.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Noted the 70 and 94 buses in Ealing Central and Chiswick became electric despite massive cuts to Transport for London support grant by this Government; called for more joined-up thinking and funding for decarbonising transport.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Called for reversing bus service cuts, investing in electric buses, reducing rail fares, reversing Conservative rail electrification cancellations, promoting rail freight, public ownership of railways, Eurostar's direct rail services from London to Amsterdam for emission reduction. Criticised road building and called for sustainable transport infrastructure focus. Proposed ending new diesel and petrol car sales by 2030, significant EV charging network investment, cycling and walking initiatives, frequent flyer levy introduction, aviation emissions control.
Ian Paisley Jnr
unknown party
unknown constituency
Asked to give way during Andy McDonald's speech but was denied due to time constraints.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Asked to give way during Andy McDonald's speech but was denied due to time constraints.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Suggested focusing on short-term measures like improving road junctions and light arrangements as well as medium-term infrastructure projects such as bypasses to bust congestion, which would be beneficial for the environment by reducing traffic jams.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Asked whether the Secretary of State is willing to look at electrifying railway lines all the way through to Sheffield and Nottingham. Emphasised that the best approach to tackle congestion was getting people off roads onto bicycles, walking or public transport.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Asked about the need for electric vehicles to use steel, specifically electrical steel. Criticised the closure of a UK-based maker of electrical steel and questioned whether the Government would support the industry in light of this.
Vicky Ford
Con
Southport
Expressed appreciation for road infrastructure improvements such as the removal of local ancient flyovers. Highlighted the importance of ensuring low-carbon alternatives remain available for commuters, especially regarding electric vehicles and bicycles.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Questioned the Secretary of State about firefighters' lack of equipment to handle lithium battery fires.
Responded to Janet Daby's question, offering to investigate and provide details in writing. Discussed investment in greener forms of transport such as cycling and walking with £2.5 billion allocated through the Transforming Cities fund. Mentioned the £48 billion being provided for rail infrastructure improvements. Criticised Labour's view on Beeching reversal funding as 'small change'. Emphasised government commitment to decarbonisation, including aviation sector collaboration.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Interjected briefly with a single exclamation of disagreement or frustration.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Asked about the progress on extending the Bakerloo line in London and requested a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss the matter.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley North
Welcomes Prime Minister's announcement on phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles, though acknowledges a lag behind Scotland’s target. Stresses the importance of an overall national transport strategy for England or the UK as a whole, highlighting the need for clear-headed policies to tackle climate change and develop economy and society. Emphasises the social justice benefits of supporting bus travel, especially for lower-income individuals.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Questions whether the budget for HS2 is a better investment compared to reversing Beeching cuts. Suggests that £100 billion allocated to HS2 could be used more effectively by reallocating it to fund connectivity projects across Britain.
Alan Brown
SNP
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Asks his colleague if the government's claim of £500 million investment is accurate, suggesting that it may be a con trick due to lack of new money allocation. Highlights concerns over the authenticity of the funding and its actual impact.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Airdrie and Shotts
Welcomes new railway openings but expresses concern that they do not go far enough in reversing Beeching cuts. Highlights significant rail investment under devolution, including electrification and decarbonisation projects. Discusses targeted road investments and the importance of making private transport available to all. Mentions Scotland's progress in electric vehicle adoption compared to Norway. Emphasises the need for joined-up thinking towards achieving a zero-emission society.
Huw Merriman
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Appreciates the wide-ranging debate on decarbonising transport, despite disagreeing with many parts of it. Acknowledges the challenge in reducing emissions from the transport sector, which remains stubbornly high at 25% for surface transport and 33% overall. Discusses innovative solutions like hydrogen technology as a true zero-emission product.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Mentions the importance of hydrogen technology in achieving decarbonisation goals, responding to Huw Merriman's comments about innovative transport solutions.
Huw Merriman
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Discussed the development of battery technology for trains, highlighting challenges with current fare calculation methods using RPI rather than CPI. Emphasised the need to reform rail fares and introduce automatic compensation schemes. Suggested franchising as a solution for bus services. Criticised deregulation in the bus sector. Raised concerns about HS2's environmental impact but supported its construction.
Houghton and Sunderland South
Expressed frustration over inadequate transport links in her region, noting that it has hindered economic growth despite low car ownership rates. Highlighted the potential benefits of reopening the Leamside line and extending the Tyne and Wear Metro to Doxford international business park. Called for more action on bus network improvements and suggested franchising as a solution. Criticised deregulation in the 1980s, arguing it has led to unreliable and costly bus services.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Argued that HS2 is debatable in terms of reducing carbon emissions, noting environmental concerns and the high cost. He emphasised the need for a well-designed and well-delivered network but criticised HS2 Ltd's inefficiency and lack of fairness towards those affected by construction.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Agreed with Jeremy Wright, suggesting alternatives like reopening the Great Central line to improve capacity without environmental damage.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Made his maiden speech focusing on Kashmir Solidarity Day and issues in Birmingham, Hall Green. He discussed human rights abuses in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and the importance of international support for resolving the dispute peacefully. Also mentioned the importance of apprenticeships, flood prevention funding, adequate school funding, and addressing childhood hunger.
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for giving way—he is very generous. Does he agree that one way of reducing transport emissions would be to site train stations in areas to which people can walk rather than drive? As the Rail Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris), is listening, may I now make a pitch for a new station for Gamesley?
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
We have heard more this week—encouragingly, I think —about alternative jet fuel technologies. As was mentioned by both my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Huw Merriman) and the hon. Member for North Antrim (Ian Paisley), hydrogen remains potentially a very exciting technology for the future. However, the single most important element in transport is roads, and within that it is cars. In 2018, this country was the second largest European market for ultra low emission cars and the fourth largest for battery electric cars, and a fifth of the battery electric cars sold in Europe were made here. We now have far more charging points—over 22,000—and a penetration of rapid charging points relative to the extent of the road network that compares very favourably with the continent of Europe.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
The Queensbury tunnel is a 1.4 mile-long heritage rail tunnel that lies beneath the village of Queensbury, which is situated between Bradford and Halifax. The last train ran through it in 1956, but there is an exciting local plan to transform the tunnel into a walking and cycling route. Unfortunately, Highways England has mismanaged the tunnel over several years and is now spending millions of pounds to pump out flood water to prepare for the tunnel’s abandonment. There is widespread local and national opposition to this. The Government must deliver both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail as part of a broader solution to improving transport in West Yorkshire and across the north.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
She discusses the difficulties faced by the Department for Transport in addressing various transport needs and challenges, including decarbonisation. She commends the Government's investment into electric vehicles and the ban on petrol and diesel cars, highlighting improvements seen in her constituency of Basingstoke. Miller also emphasises the importance of tackling roadside emissions and congestion pinch points, mentioning a £50 million fund secured for road improvement projects in Basingstoke. She calls for increased transport expenditure in south-east England to rebalance the economy.
Holly Lynch
Lab
Halifax
She highlights the necessity of reducing vehicle use and adopting cleaner methods of transportation like rail to significantly reduce emissions. She describes the current state of rail services in her constituency as unreliable, uncomfortable, and expensive. Lynch discusses ongoing problems with overcrowding, train driver shortages, and delayed journeys on the Calder Valley line. She emphasises the need for investment in enhancing rail capacity across the north to deliver a fit-for-purpose service that supports both passengers and environmental goals.
Robert Syms
Con
Croydon Central
Syms asserts that the Government is doing well by reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth. He emphasises the importance of investment in roads to alleviate congestion and suggests buses as a viable option for public transport improvements. Regarding HS2, he acknowledges its potential benefits, including enhanced capacity and opportunities for redevelopment around new stations along the route. Syms supports the project despite its high costs, citing historical precedents where major railway projects have left lasting legacies.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Welcomes the debate on climate emergency action and criticises the current state of rail services, particularly South Western Railway. Emphasises the need to expand railways to reduce emissions from cars and domestic flights. Expresses disappointment over lack of calls for cancellation of a third runway at Heathrow despite its impact on carbon emissions and public health.
Jack Brereton
Con
Tamworth
Raises concerns about the decline in bus use and air quality issues in north Staffordshire. Supports plans for high-frequency, high-priority bus services as part of a proposed urban transport system. Acknowledges government funding to improve rail connectivity, including HS2, which is essential for economic growth and levelling up efforts.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Ms Champion discusses the dangers of all-lane running on motorways, citing a specific incident where Jason Mercer was killed due to lack of hard shoulder. She also mentions a Highways Agency report that reveals cost-cutting measures led to non-installation of safety features, contributing to multiple deaths.
Suella Braverman
Con
Fareham and Waterlooville
Ms Braverman supports the Government's £100 billion infrastructure plan but raises concerns about smart motorways. She highlights local transport improvements in her constituency, including a new rapid transit system for South East Hampshire, while also expressing worries over the safety of converting roads to smart motorway standards.
Virendra Sharma
Lab
Ealing, Southall
Mr Sharma emphasises the need for sustainable transport and reduced car dependency. He advocates for improved accessibility at railway stations and criticises the Government's impact on public transport fares and routes. Additionally, he supports increased investment in active travel to enhance air quality and combat public health issues.
Derek Thomas
Con
St Ives
Discussed investment in public transport, particularly buses and rail links, noting a £23.5 million pilot programme in Cornwall to improve bus services and reduce ticket fares. He emphasised the need for infrastructure improvements on the A30, resilient transport links between the Isles of Scilly and Penzance, and highlighted concerns about charging capacity for electric vehicles.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Welcomed government investment in bus infrastructure, highlighting a British-owned bus-building company in his constituency. Emphasised the potential of hydrogen power as a zero-emission solution for public transport and proposed Northern Ireland as a leader in this field. He supported the third runway at Heathrow airport due to its economic benefits.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Questioned the logic behind expanding air passenger travel, implying it is contradictory to environmental concerns.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Critiqued the aviation industry's approach to climate change, pointing out that electric planes are not a viable solution for long-haul flights before 2050. She argued against the third runway at Heathrow due to its environmental impact and proposed alternatives such as addressing demand growth and implementing a frequent flyer levy.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Madders argued for local control of the bus network to address inadequate public transport, citing examples from his constituency where residents rely on buses but face frequent service cuts. He criticised HS2's potential benefits to the north without additional rail investment and emphasised the need for such investments in his area due to current inefficiencies. Madders also raised concerns about the Mersey Gateway tolls and their economic impact.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Daby highlighted aviation emissions, particularly concerning Heathrow airport expansion plans which threaten to undermine UK climate change targets. She cited resident concerns over flight path changes increasing noise pollution and health impacts in her constituency, including sleep disturbance and low-frequency noise-related illness. Daby called for a review of concentrated flight paths, equalities impact assessments, and regulation to limit noise levels from aircraft.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Anderson addressed Heathrow airport expansion's impacts on her constituents in Putney, including noise pollution, air quality degradation, and disruption of sleeping patterns. She also discussed South Western Railway service issues causing delays and overcrowding for commuters and the need for better integration with regeneration projects. Anderson called for review and cancellation of Heathrow expansion plans due to climate targets and stressed the importance of cycling infrastructure improvements.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Emphasised the need for a sustainable aviation industry, reduction of journey times via HS2, expansion of Metrolink, improvement in railway infrastructure, investment in electric buses, and improvements to air quality through joined-up transport systems. Also highlighted Manchester's twinning with Wuhan and Pope Francis' encyclical 'Laudato Si'.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Called for urgent action by the Government on climate change, highlighting the need to reduce emissions from transport, particularly road vehicles. Advocated for investment in public transport, walking and cycling, as well as development that reduces car use. Mentioned several other MPs' contributions regarding rail investment and bus services.
George Freeman
Con
Mid Norfolk
As Minister for the Decarbonisation of Transport, George Freeman outlined ambitious targets and investments aimed at reducing transport emissions. He mentioned a £1.5 billion investment in ultra low emission vehicles, £400 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and significant funding towards cycling and buses. Additionally, he stressed the importance of digital metrics to track progress.
Government Response
Responded to various questions, emphasised government's investment in greener transport forms such as cycling and walking. Highlighted significant funding for rail infrastructure improvements and commitment to decarbonisation including aviation sector collaboration.
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