Speeches by Collier.

“We know that lithium-ion batteries can create big fires that are difficult for the fire service to put out. Do you think those concerns around fire safety are justified?”

“Do you think electrification of HGVs is practical? I have heard from DHL, which operates in my constituency, that because of its business operation it would be very difficult for it to electrify its fleet. Is that something you are hearing from your members?”

“On some of the barriers to adoption, 75% of coach operators and 70% of HGV operators say they have no plans to introduce EVs into their fleet. Why do you think this is, and what are the barriers that the Government need to overcome to help people with that transition?”

“As you said previously, operators will be making decisions for five or 10 years’ time. Do you think that factors into it as well? It is okay for the Government to have these schemes, but if they do not come at the right time for business planning, they will not opt in?”

“We have heard that the Government have major gaps in their plan to decarbonise HGVs. In your view, do you think the Government have a practical plan to decarbonise the HGV sector?”

“Battery health is one of the main concerns that people have regarding electric vehicles—particularly battery longevity—as we know that the lithium-ion battery deteriorates over time. What do you think can be done to address this?”

“I join the Defence Secretary in paying tribute to our civilians and armed forces personnel who are defending the UK national interests. I have had the privilege of meeting many of them overseas during my time in the House. Those serving overseas have been putting themselves in harm’s way, and they will have families ba…”

“There are strong and differing views across this House and the country on a social media ban for under-16s. Indeed, when I have spoken to young people, that has come out, and there was not a strong feeling in my old school, de Ferrers academy, about this. Can the Secretary of State say what engagement she will have wit…”

“9. What steps her Department is taking to engage with children and young people on social media use.”

“How many of your sites have gyms or places where drivers can exercise?”

“Is there any particular good best practice across the sector where changes are being made that are positive? Nikki, you have obviously mentioned some work that you are doing but are there any other parts of the sector that are doing particularly good work to support health and wellbeing?”

“We have touched on some issues around sleep deprivation and lack of exercise. What would you say are the main health and wellbeing issues that come across from drivers that you speak to?”

“I am just trying to understand the health and wellbeing impact. Obviously it is very concerning that suicide rates among HGV drivers are 20% higher than the general population, and drivers are more likely to be affected by type 2 diabetes. We would just be really interested to know what impact the lack of rest faciliti…”

“I will come to Nikki on the planning in a bit. Maddi, did you have something to add?”

“The main things that have come out of this evidence today are problems with parking and the lack of suitable parking spaces, meaning that drivers are having to park on slip roads or—as Nikki said—in the wider car parks that are not secure. Why is it that there is a shortage of parking spaces for coaches and HGVs? Adria…”

“The campaign to introduce clause 17 was supported by my Conservative predecessor, Kate Kniveton, who bravely spoke about her experience of sexual violence. Will the Justice Secretary join me in congratulating Kate and all the other campaigners who have been involved in this change?”

“We have heard evidence about a shortage of skills within the sector, specifically those needed for delivering charging infrastructure: the installation, service and repair. If you also think that, then what do you think the Government should be doing to support this? Dr Bulawa, do you want to start?”

“David, you spoke about the challenges of planning and reforms that are needed. Do you have specific things you would like to see?”

“Dr Bulawa, you spoke about the challenge we have with rural communities. Only 15% of chargers are in rural areas at the minute. Do you have any suggestions for what Government should do to improve this?”

“Does anyone have anything to add to that?”