Transport Decarbonisation 2026-07-16
2026-07-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the government's efforts to reduce carbon emissions in transportation. The MP is concerned about the transition from cars to trains and improving connectivity for train users.
What steps she is taking to help decarbonise the transport sector? A key aspect of transport decarbonisation is attracting more people from cars to trains, yet train wi-fi services are often hopeless. Great Western Railway has been trialling superfast wi-fi successfully. Will this be rolled out across all GWR trains by the end of the year?
Mr Speaker, if we want a sustainable transport network, more people must move from cars to trains. Good connectivity is essential for train users. Procurement for enhanced wi-fi on all GWR long-distance services will start in the second half of this year.
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Assessment & feedback
The timeline for full roll-out was not specified
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP wants to ensure that Northern Irish businesses like Wrightbus are part of the decarbonisation efforts.
Wrightbus in Ballymena is an example of a company interested in being part of decarbonisation. What has been done to ensure they can be involved in this future?
Through the bus expert manufacturing panel, chaired by Simon Lightwood, we are working with mayors to find ways of supporting UK manufacture of electric vehicles. I look forward to working with the hon. Gentleman and Wrightbus on this.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the ZEV mandate's sustainability, especially regarding compliance credits from foreign companies.
Despite urging for a change in approach, the ZEV mandate remains. Last year's target was met by manufacturers buying compliance credits from Tesla and BYD, not consumer demand. Are yearly increases to 80% of zero emission vehicles by 2030 or 100% by 2035 achievable without relying on foreign compliance credits?
I look at data from both SMMT and DfT about vehicle sales. In June, nearly 30% were electric—a significant increase on last year. We are rolling out new charging infrastructure at a rate of one every 30 minutes. The future is electric, but we will keep the ZEV mandate under review.
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Assessment & feedback
The feasibility of yearly targets was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP argues that the ZEV mandate is an ideological policy harming the industry and jobs. He asks for its removal.
British vehicle manufacturers express concern about the ZEV mandate, viewing it as an ideological shibboleth. Will the Secretary of State listen to industry concerns, adopt the Conservatives' “plan for drivers,” and scrap the ZEV mandate before it kills off the British car sector?
We will not change the 2030 phase-out date for pure internal combustion engine vehicles or the 2035 phase-out for hybrids. We have introduced new flexibilities and are reviewing them over the next six months.
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Assessment & feedback
The decision to scrap the mandate was not committed to
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of poor connectivity on attracting more people from cars to trains, especially with successful trials of superfast wi-fi.
Superfast wi-fi was trialled successfully by Great Western Railway. Will this be rolled out across all GWR trains by the end of 2023, to align with public ownership?
Procurement for enhanced wi-fi on all GWR long-distance services will start in the second half of this year.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline for roll-out was not confirmed
Response accuracy