Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Decarbonising Transport

Thursday 27 March 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Gill Furniss welcomed Mayor Oliver Coppard's initiative to bring local buses under public control for a low-carbon future.
  • The Minister noted the launch of a new UK bus manufacturing expert panel in Sheffield to support local transport services.
  • Ze Franklin inquired about steps the Government is taking to address diesel islands to decarbonize the rail sector.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Transport Climate
Context

The Labour Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, is bringing local buses under public control.

Question

I am delighted that our Labour Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, is bringing local buses back under public control. Does the Minister agree that taking back control of our buses will allow us to deliver on a low-carbon future for local transport services? What steps is she taking to increase the roll-out of zero emission buses nationwide?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)

I too welcome the steps that Mayor Coppard is taking to deliver better bus services for passengers in South Yorkshire. I know that the Minister for Local Transport was delighted to launch our new UK bus manufacturing expert panel in Sheffield earlier this month, which will help to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing. Expanding the roll-out of zero emission buses is central to our efforts to decarbonise the bus fleet and improve air quality. Our Bus Services (No. 2) Bill will accelerate that by requiring bus operators not to use new non-zero emission buses.

Answered
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Q2 Zöe Franklin Lib Dem Guildford
Transport Climate
Context

There are sections of track without electrification, such as those between Reading and Guildford.

Question

What steps are the Government taking to address diesel islands, which are sections of track without electrification such as those between Reading and my constituency, to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector and encourage the transition to cleaner rail travel?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)

The Rail Minister in the other place is very much focused on how we decarbonise our rail sector. A combination of electrification and extended use of batteries can allow us to do that. I am sure he will be happy to write to the hon. Lady about the specifics of the case she raises.

Not addressed: Specific measures for addressing diesel islands

How: Will Write To Her

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