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Stations: Step-free Access
18 March 2025
Lead MP
Paul Kohler
Wimbledon
LD
Responding Minister
Kate Dearden
Tags
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Word Count: 3908
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Paul Kohler raised concerns about stations: step-free access in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government needs to commit to the Access for All scheme and provide new impetus to it. There is an urgent need for consistency in delivery, local partnerships, and ensuring that what is delivered makes sense to those impacted.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
More than 60 million people in the UK have a disability, taking 28% fewer journeys than those who do not. According to Transport for All, only 30% of disabled respondents said they used trains with confidence, and 10% do not use them at all due to issues such as overcrowded trains and inadequate toilet provision. Currently, only about a quarter of train stations are fully step-free from street to platform.
Adam Dance
LD
Yeovil
Constituents with disabilities have had accidents at railway stations due to the lack of support staff and inaccessible systems for booking assistance. Emphasises the need for proper support staff at stations.
Mid Sussex
A constituent with mobility issues has concerns about Wivelsfield station in Burgess Hill, where only one side of the platform is accessible.
Andrew Cooper
Lab
Mid Cheshire
Welcomes the Government's objective that accessibility should be part of Great British Railways' six objectives, suggesting another round of Access for All applications while GBR is being established to ensure a pipeline of work.
Claire Young
LD
Thornbury and Yate
Bristol Parkway station in Claire Young's constituency faces frequent lift faults, affecting residents with mobility issues. She emphasises the importance of reliable access beyond just its existence.
Helen Morgan
LD
North Shropshire
Points out that many stations are well advanced through the Access for All scheme but have had funding pulled at the last minute. Urges reopening of the scheme to proceed with projects ready to go. Asked for a commitment to proceed with stations that have had their designs and feasibility studies completed, expressing frustration over delayed progress.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Swanscombe station in Jim Dickson's constituency lacks step-free access despite being in urgent need, and its main road is unusable for two years. He questions whether the Access for All programme has achieved its aim of making many stations accessible.
Acknowledged the progress made by the Access for All programme and committed to writing updates on specific stations like Wivelsfield. Emphasised ongoing work on feasibility studies and design commitments.
Natasha Irons
Lab
Croydon East
Highlights issues in her constituency, such as a bridge at East Croydon station being closed for 10 years despite local and national funding. Emphasises the need for consistent delivery and local partnerships.
North East Fife
Highlights the challenge in Scotland due to the Scottish Government's responsibility for nominating stations for Access for All, and asks for a commitment from the UK Government to continue funding. Requested a specific timescale for the Access for All programme's announcement on progressing stations to design stage.
Government Response
Kate Dearden
Government Response
Acknowledged the progress made by the Access for All programme and committed to writing updates on specific stations like Wivelsfield. Emphasised ongoing work on feasibility studies and design commitments, aiming to announce station progress over the summer after a spending review.
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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.