Transport Decarbonisation Plan

As the hon. Lady rightly says, targets in themselves are no use; we need plans. I assume she agrees that any plans need to be backed by policies and proper funding to show us a pathway to net zero. The UK Government's lack of a transport decarbonisation plan is considered a dereliction of duty, especially given the sector's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Alan Brown questions why the plan has not been published despite its initial promise last year and emphasizes the need for interlinked strategies across energy policy, heating systems, and transportation. He highlights Scotland's leadership in rail decarbonisation with an end date of 2035 compared to Network Rail's interim programme aiming at a 2050 target. Brown also addresses the necessity for a hydrogen production strategy, green hydrogen targets, and support for sustainable aviation fuels. Asks if the Minister is discussing with other Ministers how energy policy aligns with transport decarbonisation goals to ensure net zero targets are met.

Mr Stafford discussed the importance of critical minerals for green energy and low-carbon transport, highlighting China's dominance in lithium-ion battery production. He also advocated for a comprehensive critical minerals strategy and hydrogen technology advancement to ensure the UK's competitiveness. Tarmac is made of oil, so we need to offset emissions when making roads as part of the plan.

Critiqued the UK Government's failure to match rhetoric with action in transport decarbonisation, highlighting delays in electric buses, onshore wind, carbon capture, rail electrification, and reductions in EV grants. Mentioned Scotland's ambitious targets for green buses and rail electrification by 2035, contrasted with the UK's slow pace. Highlighted significant investment in charging points in Scotland compared to England, urging the Government to address this imbalance. Highlights a significant discrepancy in planned electric vehicle charge points between London and the east of England, questioning why this disparity exists. Points out there is one charge point for every 2,700 people in London compared to one for every 38,500 people in the east.

Expressed concerns about the lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Northern Ireland, highlighting that there are only 320 fast charge points and 17 rapid public charge points. Stressed the importance of providing adequate charging facilities to encourage early adoption of electric vehicles among constituents who often face queues at charging stations or unreliable charging point access. Asks for a response on how green biofuels can improve rail and public transport in the UK, if not addressed directly, offers to take an answer later.

The MP expressed concern about the lack of ambition and action from the Government regarding transport decarbonisation, citing missed deadlines for publishing the Transport Decarbonisation Plan. She also highlighted issues with funding cuts for EV plug-in grants, piecemeal public charging infrastructure funding, and road building projects that may conflict with net zero emissions targets. Inquires if the Minister's suggestions regarding charge points include legislation that mandates operators to meet certain reliability standards.

Mr Fletcher highlighted the need for a transition to electric buses in Doncaster, noting that older and polluting buses are predominantly located there while newer models are in Sheffield. He mentioned that local pollution from vehicles on streets is significant and called for collaboration between the Government, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Doncaster Council, and private enterprise to reduce emissions by introducing clean air measures.