Speeches by Lightwood.

“I thank the hon. Member for Glastonbury and Somerton (Sarah Dyke) for securing this important debate on improving public transport. I believe we have reached our destination, Madam Deputy Speaker, having heard the last of the Labour maiden speeches, and of course we have saved one of the best for last. I congratulate m…”

“I am quite flattered to be called a long-standing Member, Madam Deputy Speaker. Improvements to the transport system have to benefit everyone. As I said, this Government want everyone to have access to public transport. The first phase of the accessible information regulations came into force earlier this year. They re…”

“I am sure the Secretary of State will have heard that message, as will the Rail Minister regarding the hon. Gentleman’s individual project. I thank my hon. Friends the Members for Edinburgh South West (Dr Arthur), for Rossendale and Darwen (Andy MacNae) and for Croydon East (Natasha Irons). I am sure my hon. Friend the…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Vickers. I thank all Members for their contributions to the debate, and I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Reading Central (Matt Rodda) for securing it. I appreciate the transformational impact that the full opening of the Elizabeth line has had on my hon. Friend…”

“I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the draft Franchising Schemes (Franchising Authorities) (England) Regulations 2024. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Rosindell, to discuss the draft regulations, which were laid before the House on 9 September. I congratulate the hon. Member for Orpi…”

“I thank Members for their consideration of the regulations, and I will try to respond to the points they have raised. On funding, the Government have committed to delivering better buses, and the investment confirmed in the Budget is the next stop in our journey towards improving services. We have confirmed investment …”

“I do not know about you, Madam Deputy Speaker, but I feel a Westminster Hall debate may be coming soon. First, I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Chris Vince) for securing this debate. The taxi and private hire vehicle—or PHV—sectors provide a vital service to our communities. Whether that is taking elderly …”

“I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. I agree that our taxi trade played a vital role during the covid pandemic. I will, of course, take his comments away with me. Rather than decline or cancel a booking, if an operator did not have a driver and vehicle available, the ability to subcontract to another operator, …”

“I will not give way; I mean to make some progress. There is a balance to be struck here and the Government are committed to working with all stakeholders to get it right. Most if not all Members will, like me, have more than one licensing authority in their constituency. Our constituents do not live their lives within …”

“I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his intervention, and I will certainly take a look at the report. I understand that there are concerns about authorities’ ability to carry out effective enforcement in their areas, especially against drivers and vehicles that they have not licensed. We are considering numerous optio…”

“As I say, I will take that back and discuss that further with the Minister for Future of Roads. I agree that maintenance of the strategic road network is of the utmost importance. The National Highways maintenance regime is guided by the standards contained in the design manual for roads and bridges. It has a programme…”

“It is a pleasure to respond to my hon. Friend the Member for Bootle (Peter Dowd)—although I agree with him: it is more of a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Mrs Harris. Good transport connections are key to unlocking essential growth for cities, which is why I thank my hon. Friend for calling this debate. I note that …”

“The Government know that Britain needs a modern transport network to help kickstart economic growth. Under the previous Government, the loss of thousands of vital bus services across the country has left too many rural areas with poor transport links. That is why the Government will be introducing a new buses Bill to p…”

“I agree with my hon. Friend. I reassure him that we are committed to delivering better bus services and that we will always put passengers first. Our forthcoming bus Bill is a crucial part of our reforms. When it is introduced later in this Session, it will increase powers available to local leaders, because those loca…”

“As part of our plan to deliver better bus services, the Government have committed to reforming bus funding by giving local authorities the tools they need to ensure services reflect the needs of the communities they serve. We want to give local leaders more control and flexibility over bus funding, and allow them to pl…”

“I recognise the problems with the scheme, and I will work closely with Treasury colleagues on this matter. I was delighted to attend the launch of the Sustrans report in the Palace a couple of weeks ago, and I will pay careful attention to its recommendations.”

“So many questions! As the executive agency responsible for walking, wheeling and cycling, Active Travel England is investigating how to improve the modelling and forecasting of cycling levels to ensure that we invest appropriately. I have asked its officers to meet Sustrans colleagues to discuss the potential benefits …”

“The Government remain committed to supporting London and the transport network on which it depends. We are working with the Mayor of London on funding plans for transport in the capital, to provide value for money and lasting benefits to the public. I would, of course, be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss…”

“The Government are reviewing a number of infrastructure projects in the light of the terrible financial situation that we find ourselves in, following the terrible damage inflicted on this country by the Opposition.”

“I am proudly wearing my Bee Network badge this morning, having visited Greater Manchester to meet the operators of the Bee Network and Mayor Andy Burnham; that is trailblazing work in Greater Manchester. In the year in which the network has been operating, we have already seen a 5% increase in passenger numbers, and bu…”