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UK Bus Manufacturing
27 January 2026
Lead MP
Euan Stainbank
Falkirk
Lab
Responding Minister
Rachel Maclean
Tags
Transport
Word Count: 13050
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Euan Stainbank raised concerns about uk bus manufacturing in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government need to recognise that the transition to zero emission buses and away from diesel is happening. What British industry needs is not to see its renowned prowess for making diesel buses become a sentimental memory in communities such as Falkirk, but policy certainty and support to scale up and properly compete in the zero emissions market.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
There were 167 fewer built in the United Kingdom in 2025 compared with 168 in 2024. A stone’s throw away is the sleek, relatively new modern site at Larbert, which hosts the global headquarters of Alexander Dennis. There was a material and harmful chasm between political rhetoric and delivery for UK manufacturers.
Alison Taylor
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Taylor supports domestic demand for electric buses to be met by British manufacturing, citing environmental benefits and health improvements. She calls for a strong pipeline of orders to support companies like Alexander Dennis. Made a strong environmental case for buying British-built buses to support sustainability goals.
Andrew Rosindell
Reform
Romford
Emphasises the role of bus manufacturing in local economies, highlighting that more than 4,150 individuals are directly employed and over 13,000 indirectly. He criticises Mayor Khan for not supporting British buses in Greater London. Mentioned the Mayor of London's decision to buy foreign-made buses. He highlighted that every four jobs in the bus manufacturing sector create 13 additional jobs further down the supply chain, advocating for local procurement of parts and services.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
Alexander Dennis workers face adverse effects of Chinese influence. The Government must intervene to create a level playing field for British companies, making it easier for them to compete in the global market. The hon. Member brought a strong workers’ perspective, championing the community through dark times and supporting furlough agreements for bus manufacturing workers.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
I thank my hon. Friend for his powerful speech on a topic about which I know he is particularly passionate. He will be aware that Alexander Dennis has a base in my constituency of Harlow.
Euan Stainbank
SNP
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
Discussed the importance of accessibility on buses and highlighted examples from Alexander Dennis, showing how new models can provide greater accessibility for customers.
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Called for measures to boost bus use and protect skilled manufacturing jobs in Scotland. Suggested reforms like social value weighting and tightening certification of buses. The hon. Member discussed the value of bus services to communities and mentioned issues related to the Subsidy Control Act.
Jim Allister
DUP
North Antrim
Discussed social value and security concerns related to foreign bus manufacturers. Supporting Wrightbus, he highlighted his frustration with some franchisees' conduct but was glad to hear about doubling social value commitments.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon supports Wrightbus in Northern Ireland, noting its role as a leader in bus manufacturing and stressing the need for Government investment and promotion. He emphasizes the importance of supporting all tiers of suppliers. Contributed on behalf of constituents concerned about Wrightbus operations, reflecting the industry's importance in Northern Ireland.
John Milne
Lab
Horsham
Just 17% of buses used in the UK are manufactured here, while 83% come from abroad. The Liberal Democrats welcome the present Government’s move to a more strategic approach. Noted that in the past year, just 17% of buses with new registrations were made in the UK.
Airdrie and Shotts
Supports the effort to keep bus manufacturing strong and praises his constituents' dedication to engineering, urging the government to commit to a modern industrial strategy focusing on skills-based economy. Stevenson supports investment in British bus manufacturing, citing concerns about Chinese manufactured buses' control and impact on national security. He highlights the threat to jobs due to uncertainty and calls for action to support UK industry. The hon. Member emphasized the value of contracts and skills in the bus manufacturing sector, noting workers from Alexander Dennis and supply chain businesses in his constituency.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Addressed the upcoming franchising in Doncaster East and emphasised the need to think about accessibility on buses, especially for people with disabilities.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
We want to see a thriving and successful UK bus manufacturing sector, because it is critical to local communities. However, at the very top level across the country, we are seeing real damage being caused by the Government’s complete mismanagement of the economy.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
My hon. Friend is making a powerful case. Mellor, a bus manufacturer in Rochdale, does a superb job of producing the buses that Greater Manchester needs.
Discussed financial challenges faced by UK bus manufacturers and mentioned a 10% figure related to social value.
Tracy Gilbert
Lab
Edinburgh North and Leith
Lothian Buses has purchased 180 buses from Alexander Dennis since 2018. Lothian Buses demonstrates that municipal ownership leads to positive economic benefits for the people such companies serve. Emphasized the importance of local funding for procurement, urging franchisees to consider home-grown solutions when replacing fleet parts.
Government Response
Rachel Maclean
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
Responded to concerns regarding procurement reform, bus manufacturing, and security issues. Confirmed the Government's commitment to supporting UK manufacturers through policy measures and procurement reforms. It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Dr Murrison. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Falkirk (Euan Stainbank) and the hon. and learned Member for North Antrim (Jim Allister) for securing this debate, and Members on both sides of the House for their passionate contributions. The Government share hon. Members’ commitment to ensuring that the UK remains a world leader in bus design and manufacturing. We established the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel last March because we are clear that we need a new kind of partnership—one that brings together manufacturers, operators, local leaders and central Government. Over the past year, it has worked tirelessly, focusing on three central objectives: supporting the growth of UK bus manufacturing, developing a clear pipeline of future orders to give manufacturers confidence to invest, and prioritising passenger-centric bus design to ensure that the future bus is fit for the people who rely on it. The Department has supported the roll-out of 2,500 zero emission buses through ZEBRA 1 and ZEBRA 2. In April 2025, we provided an additional £38 million to fund an additional 319 zero emission buses. We have announced £15.6 billion over five years to improve local transport across some of the biggest city regions. The Bus Services Act will introduce a requirement that new diesel buses cannot be used on local bus routes in England, which will come into force not before 2030.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.