Buses Tariff Harmonisation
2026-06-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes the discrepancy in import tariffs between diesel and electric buses, highlighting the existential risk posed by Chinese competition to UK bus manufacturing jobs.
What recent discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on harmonising import tariffs for diesel and electric buses? Imported diesel buses have a 16% base rate tariff, yet electric buses have a tariff rate of 10%. Considering the transition to electric after 2030 and the threat from Chinese competition to 50,000 jobs in UK bus manufacturing, will Ministers urgently raise this matter with Business and Trade Ministers to harmonise rates at least?
Following the UK bus manufacturing expert panel meeting in March, my officials and I continue to engage with our counterparts across Government—including my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and his team, who are responsible for UK Government tariff policy—on support for UK bus manufacturing and the transition to zero emission fleets. I regularly raise issues affecting the bus sector with the Department for Business and Trade and will continue to do so. I will raise the specific point my hon. Friend makes with the relevant Minister and write to him following that conversation.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about raising the issue urgently was not addressed directly, only a promise to raise it in future conversations.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the dominance of Chinese bus imports in the UK market and asks about procurement rules that could encourage local manufacturing.
Bus companies and local authorities are being encouraged to buy electric buses. However, half of new buses in the United Kingdom are bought from China, which does not support our great British bus industry. Will the Minister elaborate on whether the current procurement rules for electric buses are suitable for encouraging bus companies to buy British?
On the UK bus manufacturing expert panel, we have managed to strike an agreement with all mayoral combined authorities to insist on at least 10% social value in their contracts, which I think is a really important step forward. We will continue to work with operators and combined authorities to do our best to ensure that British manufacturers are able to compete.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about current procurement rules was not directly addressed; the answer focuses on an agreement for social value in contracts instead.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the dominance of Chinese bus imports and asks if current procurement rules are sufficient to encourage buying British-made electric buses.
Bus companies and local authorities are rightly being encouraged to buy electric buses. However, half of new buses in the United Kingdom are bought from China, which does not support our great British bus industry. Will the Minister elaborate on whether the current procurement rules for electric buses are suitable for encouraging bus companies to buy British?
On the UK bus manufacturing expert panel, we have managed to strike an agreement with all mayoral combined authorities to insist on at least 10% social value in their contracts, which I think is a really important step forward. We will continue to work with operators and combined authorities to do our best to ensure that British manufacturers are able to compete.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about procurement rules was not directly addressed; the answer focused on an agreement for social value in contracts instead.
Response accuracy