🛠️ Oral Answers to Questions

• The Secretary of State, Heidi Alexander, announced over £1 billion in funding for bus services, with additional funds for sustainable transport settlements for mayors, local transport, and highways maintenance.

• Michael Wheeler raised concerns about rush-hour congestion in Worsley and Eccles, seeking support for a strategic approach to transport across commuter belts.

• Wera Hobhouse highlighted the inadequacy of bus services in Bath and the need for local authorities to franchise services, despite opposition from the regional mayor.

• Andy McDonald asked about empowering the public to override a mayor’s reluctance to re-regulate bus services, to which the Secretary responded by outlining options in the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill.

• Richard Foord questioned the fairness of funding allocations for rail enhancements between urban and rural areas, reassured that decisions are made based on business cases.

• Graham Leadbitter discussed the UK’s participation in the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) programme, which has been affected by Brexit. The Minister indicated that options are under consideration.

• Olly Glover asked for more road safety measures for vulnerable users, with the Minister affirming the government’s commitment and the importance of Bikeability training.

• Sarah Coombes and others raised road safety issues in their constituencies, like dangerous stretches of road, to which the Minister responded with commitments to a new road safety strategy.

• Andrew Snowden requested a meeting to discuss improving drug-driving charge rates using new technology, with the Minister agreeing to meet.

• John Lamont criticized the decision to cancel improvements to the A1 in Scotland, while Heidi Alexander explained the decision was due to poor value for money and increased costs.

• Several MPs, including Luke Murphy and Warinder Juss, emphasized the problem of potholes and road maintenance, welcoming additional government funding and seeking consistent repair standards.

• Heidi Alexander outlined plans for local authorities to focus on long-term road maintenance and preventive measures, highlighting the allocation of £500 million for the next year.

• MPs like Josh Babarinde and Clive Jones voiced concerns about pothole-related expenses and the need for road resurfacing, seeking government commitment to proper funding.

• Tim Farron asked for assistance with half-joint bridges in Westmorland and Lonsdale, to which the Secretary agreed to arrange a meeting with the appropriate minister.

• Lewis Cocking questioned utility roadworks and closures, with Lilian Greenwood announcing measures to clamp down on disruptive works.

• Sarah Owen and Paul Holmes asked about accessibility at railway stations, with the government promising to review the Access for All programme.

• Rachel Taylor highlighted the need for improved public transport accessibility for disabled passengers, which the Minister supported and promised to meet about.

• Gregor Poynton discussed support for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), with the Minister confirming government initiatives to boost SAF production and use.

• Max Wilkinson raised concerns about rail passenger compensation due to the Old Oak Common station development, with the government pledging to minimize disruptions.

• Charlotte Cane and Ruth Cadbury discussed railway capacity and the future of HS2, seeking assurance on connectivity and growth.

• Tom Hayes and Vikki Slade sought improvements at Pokesdown and Wareham stations, respectively, with the government showing commitment to working on these projects.

• Heidi Alexander outlined the department’s responsibilities, focusing on improving transport systems, supporting the automotive industry, and enhancing public transport.

• Ben Obese-Jecty raised issues with new bus routes in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, to which the Secretary offered a meeting to discuss local concerns.

• Michelle Scrogham emphasized the importance of reliable roads in Barrow and Furness, with the Minister committing to their maintenance.

• Gareth Bacon criticized a government pay deal for causing rail disruptions over Christmas, countered by Heidi Alexander defending the government’s actions.

• Grahame Morris and Paul Kohler raised operational and financial concerns about rail and bus services, with the government promising action and transparency.

• John Slinger and John Whitby asked about improving bus services to hospitals and rural areas, with the government pledging to support local authority efforts.

• Joshua Reynolds addressed the use of bots to buy driving tests, with the government announcing a call for evidence to address this issue.

• Freddie van Mierlo discussed the need for active travel funding for a cycleway, with the government confirming funding for such initiatives.

• Lillian Jones criticized the SNP’s handling of ScotRail, with Heidi Alexander affirming a better approach to public ownership of railways.

• Graham Leadbitter suggested implementing arrival duty-free to support UK airports post-Brexit, with the Minister promising further information.

• Rachael Maskell and Robbie Moore requested meetings to discuss rail innovations and new rail links, respectively, with the Secretary agreeing to meet them.

• Emma Lewell-Buck expressed concerns about public transport in South Shields, with the Secretary accepting a meeting to discuss ongoing issues.

• Matt Vickers sought assurance on promised funding for Teesside, countered by Heidi Alexander emphasizing the need for a delivery plan.

• Helena Dollimore welcomed pothole repair funding in Hastings, urging its proper use.

• Gregory Stafford and Kevin Bonavia asked for meetings to discuss local bus services and rail investment, which were both agreed to.

• Lincoln Jopp and Noah Law raised concerns about transport card zones and car park charge enforcement, respectively, with ministers agreeing to discuss these issues.

• Vikki Slade and Scott Arthur requested action on electronic gates at Wareham station and a pavement parking ban, respectively, with the government showing willingness to address these.

• James Wild and Louise Jones sought commitments on railway and road investments in their areas, with the government affirming its support and plans.

The session exhibits a moderate level of disagreement, characterized by pointed critiques and clarifications, rather than overt confrontations. Several instances highlight disagreement without escalating to high levels of conflict. For example, the discussion on the A1 road improvements between John Lamont and Heidi Alexander reflects disagreement on government priorities and project evaluations, but the exchange remains within the realm of policy critique. Additionally, Jerome Mayhew’s query on road maintenance funding sparked a rebuttal from Heidi Alexander, who challenged the feasibility of previous government commitments, indicating a disagreement on financial planning and promises. However, these exchanges, while indicative of disagreement, did not involve significant personal attacks or heated debates, maintaining a professional tone throughout. The majority of the session focused on conveying information and addressing local issues, with members generally expressing support for the Secretary of State and ministers, and the disagreements were largely focused on policy specifics rather than broader ideological clashes.