Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Q5. What steps she is taking to improve transport links between Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire in the context of the Universal United Kingdom Resort. (900354)

Ian Sollom question. >> Mr. speaker, this government is delivering a £1.3 billion package of transport and infrastructure improvements across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, including £474

09:48

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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million of strategic road investment and rail upgrades around Bedford, a new four platform Bedford, a new four platform station at Wixams, and improvements to the A41 serving the Universal to the A41 serving the Universal United Kingdom Resort Resort. The government has also committed £2.5 billion for East West Rail over the billion for East West Rail over the spending review, with a new station at Stewartby to serve universal. at Stewartby to serve universal. And just last week announced £117 million for a new eastern entrance at Bletchley.

Together, these investments will improve connectivity, support economic growth and create opportunities across the region.

09:48

Ian Sollom MP (St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, Liberal Democrat)

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Mr. speaker, I thank the Secretary of State for her answer. The universal resort will be a The universal resort will be a major employer as well as a visitor destination, and East West Rail is clearly central to how people get their sustainably. From my constituents. That includes being able to access the railway sustainably. So can you confirm that the planning of the new stations at Tempsford and Cambourne will include the design of travel connections by bus, cycle and foot? And will she also confirm that provision for an additional new station to the east of Saint Neots will be reviewed? Thank you.

09:49

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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I am really pleased that we are >> I am really pleased that we are accelerating the delivery of a new station at Tempsford, which will be the connection between East West the connection between East West Rail and the East Coast Main Line. The Chancellor brought that forward in her Budget in 2024, and I do want to make sure that public transport services are properly integrated with new stations, whether that is at Tempsford or Cambourne. Cambourne. With regard to a potential new station at Saint Neots East, he will be aware that the current proposals include new stations at Tempsford and Cambourne.

We are preserving further opportunities across the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor, but any future station would need to demonstrate value for money, affordability and local support.

09:50

Greg Smith MP (Mid Buckinghamshire, Conservative)

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Mr. Greg Smith. >> Mr. Greg Smith. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we've heard, East West Rail has been used heard, East West Rail has been used and been great fanfare that it will be the main transport connection from Cambridgeshire through to Bedfordshire, as well as in the other direction to get to the new universal park. But as we heard earlier, as we heard earlier, the government can't even get the bit of east West rail that has been built to be operational and we know that that is all down to a row with the unions.

So if the government can't get the bit of east west rail that is built operational, what hope has anyone in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire or anyone wanting to go to the Universal Park Goths of being able to travel there by rail?

09:51

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Yeah. Gentleman against his indignant tone. Given the inheritance we received from his government on East West Rail when we came into office, there was no operator appointed to run East West Rail. We got on with it and did it. We had to finish the work at Winslow Station. We got on with that and did it. We do need to ensure that the rail services on East West West Rail are fit for the sort of usage that is now likely to happen, given that planning permission has been granted for universal, and that includes the nature of staffing on that rail line.

And as the as my colleague the Minister for aviation said in response to a previous question, Chiltern are leading discussions on that at the moment, and we're keen to see services enter into operation as soon as possible.

09:51

Q6. What steps she is taking help improve safety at road junctions. (900355)

Al Pinkerton. >> Al Pinkerton. >> So thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this year, this government published the first national road published the first national road safety strategy in over a decade, setting out how we will cut road deaths and serious injuries on

09:52

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Britain's roads by 65% by 2035. In March, we announced the third Roads Investment Strategy, which includes Investment Strategy, which includes a targeted fund to improve safety at junctions on the strategic road network. And of course, we're network. And of course, we're investing £21 billion of local transport funding into regional and local authorities to be able to local authorities to be able to make improvements on the parts of the network that they are responsible for. Speaker.

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Speaker. In my constituency of Surrey Heath, the M3 A32 two junction between Bagshot and Lightwater

09:52

Dr Al Pinkerton MP (Surrey Heath, Liberal Democrat)

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remains a serious congestion bottleneck for local residents and a serious source of frustration for motorway users. It is notorious on motorway users. It is notorious on all morning travel reports, poor advance signage and a confusing road layout cause frequent near-misses and dangerous last minute manoeuvres. Add into the mix a doubling of housing targets in a doubling of housing targets in our local area in Surrey Heath. Can I ask what steps the Secretary of State is taking to ensure that critical junctions such as this one critical junctions such as this one are safe, clearly signposted and fit for future population growth?

09:53

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's concerns about the Gentleman's concerns about the junction of the M3 and the A322, and I do understand that some improvements have already been made to the northbound part of the junction there. It is the responsibility of Surrey County Council to make improvements at that junction. I understand they have the ability to make changes to traffic lights, for example. And so I would suggest that the hon. Gentleman continues the conversation with Surrey County Council and his Liberal Democrats, who now form a larger group on that council, who might be able to influence the thinking of that local authority.

09:53

Chris Vince MP (Harlow, Labour )

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Christopher Vince. >> Christopher Vince. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Little Parndon Primary School,

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Little Parndon Primary School, Pemberley Academy and Latton Green are three primary schools in my constituency of Harlow who have raised concerns about road safety raised concerns about road safety outside their school. They've asked and the county council to consider having a zebra crossing, but they are not eligible because they are too close to a junction. I wondered whether the Secretary of State or one of the Ministers would meet with me to discuss these issues and whether we can change the guidance. So actually, these schools and their young people can be safe crossing the road outside.

09:54

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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OK. >> I'm really keen to ensure that we have safe routes to school and that we enable more children and their families to be able to walk their families to be able to walk and cycle to school more often. I'd be very happy to meet with him to discuss the particular situation in his constituency, and I would advise him to look out for the publication of the cycling and walking strategy, the third investment plan tomorrow, which will have more information on the work we're doing to improve journeys to school for children.

09:54

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Surely we're coming to the house first. John Lamont thank. first. John Lamont thank. >> You, Mr. Speaker. Question number seven. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The new

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The new timetable improves capacity and journey times along the East Coast Main Line, delivering over 6000 Main Line, delivering over 6000 additional weekly seats. Overall connectivity at Berwick has been strengthened, with more frequent regional services and better connections to Newcastle. CrossCountry now provides an hourly service and TransPennine express has increased services between Newcastle and Edinburgh from 5 to 8 services a day in each direction, with further improvements planned.

09:55

John Lamont MP (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Conservative)

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John Milne. Network Rail's new timetable changes, more than 70% of residents said they were now less likely to use Berwick upon Tweed Station. As a result. The timetable changes means fewer direct services to London, with many passengers having to change trains. This is having a significant impact on elderly train users and disabled train users. So does the Minister agree with me that if his plan for Great British Railways is to be a success, the frequent and reliable services from Berwick upon Tweed Station to London need to be reinstated?

09:56

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Well, I thank the hon. Member for his question, both for championing the needs of elderly championing the needs of elderly residents and people with disabilities, but also everybody who uses those direct services. From Berwick upon Tweed Station to London. I know that a small number of direct services have been cut. I appreciate the fact that he's doing community outreach on this important point. May I suggest that the hon. Member shares the results with Linear and Network Rail, who can use his findings to inform future planning, but I'm very happy to work with him further on this very important issue.

09:56

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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Euan Stainbank Mr. >> Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Following the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert panel meeting in March, my officials and I continue to engage officials and I continue to engage with our counterparts across government on support for UK bus manufacturing and the transition to zero-emission fleets. This includes my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and his team, who are responsible for UK government tariff policy. Euan Stainbank Mr. Speaker, important.

09:56

Euan Stainbank MP (Falkirk, Labour)

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Diesel buses. >> Have a. >> 16% base rate tariff, yet electric buses have a tariff rate of 10% as we seek to transition fully to electric after 2030 and considering the existential risk under investigation. Chinese competition currently present to the 5000 jobs that depend on UK bus manufacturing. Will Ministers consider raising this matter urgently, with business and trade colleagues to encourage them to see these rates harmonised at 16% at least. I regularly raise issues affecting the bus sector with DBT and will continue to do so.

I will raise the specific point my hon. Friend raises with the relevant DBT Minister and will write to him Minister and will write to him following that conversation. Joshua Reynolds thank you, Mr. Speaker.

09:57

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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Bus companies. electric buses. However, half of new buses in the United Kingdom are bought from China. Not supporting our great British bus industry. So would he be able to elaborate on whether he thinks the current rules and procurement of electric buses is suitable to encourage these bus companies to buy British.

09:57

Mr Joshua Reynolds MP (Maidenhead, Liberal Democrat)

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As part of the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert panel, we managed to strike an agreement with all mayoral combined authorities to insist on at least 10% social value within their contracts. I think that is a really important step forward and will continue to work forward and will continue to work with both operators, combined authorities, to make sure that we do the best that we can to ensure do the best that we can to ensure that British UK manufacturers are able to compete.

09:58

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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Sian Berry I Mr Speaker.

09:58

Q9. What steps she is taking to reduce road danger through the third Road Investment Strategy. (900358)

is at the heart of the Third Road Investment Strategy, which includes a new national programme to deliver

09:58

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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a new national programme to deliver targeted safety improvements on higher risk roads. It also sets national highways a challenging target to reduce the number of target to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our motorways and major a-roads, aligning with our overall target of aligning with our overall target of reducing cases across British roads

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by 65% by 2035. Yeah. The Secretary of State's new Third Road investment strategy only requires a 7.5% reduction in people killed or seriously injured on the

09:58

Siân Berry MP (Brighton Pavilion, Green Party)

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strategic road network by 2031. Yet to meet the 2035 target in the road safety strategy requires about a safety strategy requires about a 55% reduction across England's roads by that date. So this means national highways can get away with national highways can get away with doing almost nothing while local authorities are left to make up the difference. So how can the Secretary of State justify handing £27 billion to this failing body? While councils across the country While councils across the country are crying out for these funds to make everyday walking and cycling safer?

09:59

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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Motorways are already amongst the safest roads in the country. Cases on motorways in 2024 Cases on motorways in 2024 represented 3% of the total of England, despite carrying over a fifth of all road traffic. The target reflects this. The approach is challenging but realistic, focussed on what the En bloc national highways can directly deliver over this road period, and it sits alongside, of course, the wider action in the road safety strategy to dramatically reduce deaths and serious injuries across all roads in Great Britain.

10:00

Q10. What steps she is taking to help decarbonise the transport sector. (900360)

Amanda Martin ten. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Decarbonising transport is vital for our energy security and to make the network fit for the future. We the network fit for the future. We are turbocharging the roll out of electric vehicles, overhauling public transport, supporting, supporting low carbon fuel uptake in aviation and funding technology innovation for maritime through the multi-million pound UK Shore Research Programme.

10:00

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Amanda Martin. power infrastructure, supported by government funding to enable ships to connect to the grid electricity whilst birth rather than run diesel engines. However, the high cost of electricity is threatening to render the entire investment render the entire investment worthless. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that shore power infrastructure at UK ports is economically viable, UK ports is economically viable, given that grid transmission standing charges make sure power significantly more expensive than significantly more expensive than marine diesel, and that transmission costs nearly doubled in April.

10:00

Amanda Martin MP (Portsmouth North, Labour)

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Well, my hon. Friend is an absolute champion for Portsmouth ports, and I'm sure that she will be thinking of their 50th

10:00

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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anniversary celebrations next week, where they will be bringing their pioneering work with Brittany Ferries on this issue to fruition. Ferries on this issue to fruition. I do recognise, though, that high electricity prices can impact the economic viability of shore power economic viability of shore power in the short term, government is working to improve shore power connection times and is going to continue to engage with the sector continue to engage with the sector and across government on mitigating those high electricity costs costs. But through UK shore, our £448 million investment in decarbonising maritime, it will allow applicants to include on site energy generation and battery storage to help reduce costs.

10:01

Mr Will Forster MP (Woking, Liberal Democrat)

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Paul Foster the Minister assure me that when the diesel trains that me that when the diesel trains that operate on the South Western Railway network are replaced with electric trains to decarbonise the electric trains to decarbonise the network, that there is no reduction in service for my constituents in Woking.

10:01

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We believe that the benefits of electric rolling stock for our train services actually allow us to improve efficiency on the railway, and I hope that those improvements can be realised for his constituents.

10:02

Q11. What recent assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of providing UV index alerts on public information boards at transport hubs. (900362)

Question 11 Mr. Speaker. >> Minister thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department has not made an assessment of the potential merit to providing UV index alerts on to providing UV index alerts on public information boards at transport hubs. UV guidance and forecasts are published by the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office. They are included in TV and radio weather reporting and can be radio weather reporting and can be readily accessed on a range of weather apps.

10:02

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, one of the key findings of the recent health and Wellbeing APPG UV safety report was that the public do not fully

10:02

Carolyn Harris MP (Neath and Swansea East, Labour)

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understand the UV index, with evidence showing that over 86% of evidence showing that over 86% of skin cancer is entirely preventable. The report recommends a daily UV ratings be widely advertised across communities, including transport hubs. Would the Minister meet with hubs. Would the Minister meet with me to discuss how this can help to educate and protect the public and ultimately save lives?

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ultimately save lives? Well, I thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know my hon. Friend is producing a report on this critically important matter, and I would be very glad to meet with her to discuss its findings. We ought to take every opportunity to make sure take every opportunity to make sure that people understand the impact of UV on the the health of their of UV on the the health of their skin, and I look forward to meeting with her to discuss how we can take the findings from her report further.

further.

10:03

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Anybody? Oh, Jim Shannon Mr. Speaker, thank you. And can I thank the Minister for that answer, and

10:03

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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particularly, can I thank the hon. Lady for for Neath and Swansea East for bringing this forward. The hon. Lady always brings incredible Lady always brings incredible issues for us all to be aware of. Skin cancer in Northern Ireland is one of the things that the figures one of the things that the figures are rising. The issues of UV index alerts are something that the hon. Lady has brought to the attention of the Minister here. I think it's important that not only does the Minister here take action on this Minister here take action on this issue after discussing the matter with the hon.

Lady, but would the Minister convey his thoughts after that meeting to the relevant Minister of Northern Ireland to ensure that the Ministers there will do the same thing as anybody wants? If she wants it, in my opinion, support her.

10:04

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Well, Mr. Speaker, the hon. >> Well, Mr. Speaker, the hon. Member is right to say that the impact of skin cancer affects people right across the United Kingdom, and we need to be working as one United Kingdom to deal with it as an issue. I will certainly take what I learned from my meeting with my hon. Friend, reflect that through to colleagues, both in the Department for Health and Social Care, but also to my colleagues in the devolved administrations, including in Northern Ireland.

10:04

Q13. What plans she has to work with local leaders to improve bus services. (900367)

Liz Twist thank you, Mr. Speaker. People across the North East. I'm sorry, number 30. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government passed the Bus Services Act last year to give local leaders greater control over their bus services, and we are supporting local transport authorities with £3 billion of funding over the next three years to make that improvement a reality, also providing support and guidance to enhance partnerships and franchising, giving local leaders the tools that they need to ensure services meet local needs.

10:04

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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Mr. Joyce. reply. Now, people across the North East, including my constituency of

10:05

Liz Twist MP (Blaydon and Consett, Labour)

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Blaydon and Consett, have been benefiting from a £2.50 bus fare for a single journey funded in for a single journey funded in thanks funding thanks to the Labour government and Kim McGuinness, our North East Labour mayor, this mayor's fare has seen over 100 million bus journeys being made and million bus journeys being made and an increase in bus patronage. To build on this success, we need the build on this success, we need the national bus fare cap funding from this government to continue.

Will the Minister confirm that the government intends to keep the £3 national cap on buses beyond March 27th?

10:05

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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We recognise how important affordable bus fares are, which is affordable bus fares are, which is why we've extended the free bus fare cap in England until March 2027. We're evaluating the impact 2027. We're evaluating the impact of the scheme, including on passengers and value for money to inform decisions on the future bus fare policy, alongside, of course, the Cap. Mr. speaker, this August we're giving every child free bus travel. Building on the Kids Go

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free scheme pioneered by Mayor Kim McGuinness in the North East. Gloucester Neil Hudson.

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Gloucester Neil Hudson. Number 14, please, Mr. Speaker. Minister thank you very much,

10:06

Q14. What steps her Department is taking to improve transport services in Epping Forest constituency. (900368)

>> Minister thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. London's Labour mayor is using part of the £2.2 billion settlement provided by this

10:06

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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settlement provided by this government in the spending review to make the central line upgrades and refurbishments that will benefit the hon. Member's benefit the hon. Member's constituents. Essex County Council and the London boroughs will also receive over £500 million to maintain and improve local roads by 2030. In addition to this, Essex will also receive over £377 million of funding over the next three years to support their transport priorities.

10:06

Dr Neil Hudson MP (Epping Forest, Conservative)

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Neil Hudson thank you, Mr. >> Neil Hudson thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents in Epping Forest face many transport issues. Forest face many transport issues. We Central Line users endure delays, overcrowding and graffiti. Meanwhile, residents in Waltham Abbey have no access to the tube at all and have been left with a limited bus network since transport for London withdrew services. Young people unable to get to the next stage in their education, and residents struggling to get into London. I pay tribute to the Bring Back Red Buses Waltham Abbey campaign.

Please can the government press the Mayor of London, TfL and Essex County Council to work together to give the people of Waltham Abbey and wider the transport services they so desperately need?

10:07

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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This government is investing over £2 billion in London's transport network, the largest government investment in London's transport network, for over a decade. This means that London can decade. This means that London can invest £500 million in the Central Line improvement programme to upgrade, signalling and refurbish those 30 year old trains, some refurbished trains already in operation and the programme will complete by 2029. You also referenced the issue with graffiti. I know that the mayor is very concerned about this.

He has deployed a dedicated team of over 120 people to remove graffiti as quickly as possible, and in April this year, over 3000 tags were removed from the Central Line trains.

10:08

Q15. What steps she is taking to improve road safety. (900369)

Every story. >> Please, Mr. Speaker. >> Mr. speaker, in January we published the Road Safety Strategy, which envisages a safer future for which envisages a safer future for everyone on the road, including targets to cut deaths and serious injuries by 65% for everyone and 70% for children by 2035. It promotes partnership working between government, local authorities, industry and others to save thousands of lives and ease save thousands of lives and ease pressure on the NHS.

10:08

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Sarah Coombes. State for visiting Kenrick Way in my constituency last year, which is used as a race track by dangerous car cruisers making residents lives. Hell, I've been campaigning for a camera to be installed there, which was finally installed a few weeks ago, and I found out yesterday that ago, and I found out yesterday that they've already caught people driving at 125 miles an hour along this residential road. In other this residential road. In other countries, they install technology to limit speeds in repeat offenders.

So can the Secretary of State set So can the Secretary of State set out what kind of technological solutions we're looking at to limit, repeat, dangerous drivers in this country?

10:09

Sarah Coombes MP (West Bromwich, Labour)

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Yes.

10:09

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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I recall the visit to my hon. Friend's constituency meeting with Friend's constituency meeting with her and, of course, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster. And I do remember how struck I was by how dangerous and invasive this form of reckless behaviour is on her local roads. This government is considering whether we should mandate Alco locks in cars in cases of repeat and high risk drink driving offenders. And I think she raises an interesting question about whether technological solutions could also be applied in cases of dangerous street racers.

And I will ask officials in my department to do more work on what the possibilities might be.

10:10

Josh Babarinde MP (Eastbourne, Liberal Democrat)

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Josh Babarinde thank you, Mr. Speaker. and Kat Harris, have been working together with the headteacher of Ratton School, Gavin Peevers, and folks in my team like you and Morrison to campaign to make that road safer. After cats have been struck by speeding cars and children have had near misses when going into school. The last conservative county council failed to implement more traffic calming measures to tackle this. Will she encourage, as I am, the new reform led County Council to tackle speeding and road safety issues on Park Avenue.

10:10

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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I commend the hon. Gentleman for >> I commend the hon. Gentleman for his campaigning on this issue, and I do believe we need to make the environment around schools safer for children. Some of the most successful and enduring interventions on roads to improve safety have been things like school, street initiatives, and if traffic calming measures can reduce the number of people who are being killed or seriously injured, then I think it's right that local authorities look at the local situation and don't hesitate to make the interventions, which could make all the difference.

10:11

Topical questions: Transport

To topicals Alex Ballinger. >> Goal number one, Mr. Speaker. >> Mr. Speaker, the King's Speech promised to change the country for the better, and this government is the better, and this government is getting on with the job. Yesterday, we completed the passage of the Railways Bill through this place,

10:11

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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paving the way for Great British Railways and an industry that finally works for passengers finally works for passengers instead of profit. Already we've seen new trains on SWR, more seen new trains on SWR, more capacity on lNer, and the first GBR branded trains are now in service. Over half of train operating companies are now in public ownership, and they're performing ownership, and they're performing better on average compared to those still in private hands. This is just one part of how we're transforming journeys.

Tomorrow I am launching the third Cycling and Walking investment strategy, building on the investment already announced Mr Speaker, enabling more people to make safe and healthy choices to get around. And we are progressing legislation.

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Mr. mayor, this is continuous. What were you trying to ask me? The questions aren't coming to me. I questions aren't coming to me. I need a bit of silence. If not, I don't think we need the rest of the

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day with your company. The. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They like to chunter what this like to chunter what this government is doing is we're backing our aspirational words with

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real action. A stronger, fairer Britain is what we promised and it is what we will deliver. Alex Ballinger thank.

10:12

Alex Ballinger MP (Halesowen, Labour)

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You, Mr. Speaker. Stuart from quarry Bank and Stephanie from Homer Hill, about the dangerous use of modified e-bikes and e-scooters in parks e-bikes and e-scooters in parks across the constituency. Older people are particularly worried about youths riding these dangerously without thought of the road conditions. So will the Minister step out, set out what steps he is taking to help improve safety and reduce the dangerous use of these modified e-bikes and e-scooters? Yeah.

10:13

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Mr. Speaker, e-bikes that are >> Mr. Speaker, e-bikes that are modified to speeds over 15.5mph are illegal. And we continue to support the police with the tools that they need to enforce road traffic legislation. He will be aware that the Crime and Policing Act this year has given stronger powers to the police to seize vehicles used in an antisocial way without first requiring a warning. And it has also introduced new respect orders, enabling police and councils to ban persistent offenders from areas where they cause harm.

10:13

Greg Smith MP (Mid Buckinghamshire, Conservative)

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Greg Smith a Minister. >> Greg Smith a Minister. >> You, Mr. Speaker, over two thirds of driving test centres have thirds of driving test centres have a maximum 24 week waiting time. The average wait time for a test is 22.3 weeks a month longer than in July 24th. And for all their talk of recruiting, new examiners, instructor recruitment conversion rate is just 4%. So when are the government going to stop talking about taking action on this and actually get a grip of the driving test wait time crisis?

10:14

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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The DVSA continues driving examiner recruitment with 1577 full examiner recruitment with 1577 full time driving examiners in May 2026, an increase of 147 when compared to the number of driving examiners in May 2026. That's 1430 full time equivalents.

10:14

Andrew Lewin MP (Welwyn Hatfield, Labour)

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Olly Glover, the Liberal >> Olly Glover, the Liberal Democrat spokesman. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> The apologies Andrew Lewin for Sarah Edwards.

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Sarah Edwards. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a good time to be a commuter in Welwyn Hatfield. Trains from all Welwyn Hatfield. Trains from all five of our stations are now back under public control. We have fast trains from Welwyn north to London King's Cross, which have been a big success. We are right on track. However, would the Minister agree with me that it's really important to support commuters all across my wonderful constituency, and we should look at all options for increasing the number of trains serving Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City, especially in peak time.

10:15

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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I can tell my hon. Friend, that this government does expect all parts of the new publicly owned railway to plan services and timetables to meet expected passenger demand, whilst maximising value for the taxpayer. I know a certain predecessor of his used to talk a good game on better rail services, but it's a fact that the hon. Gentleman's constituents had to wait until he was elected as their Labour Member of Parliament to get a government that is prepared to put words into action.

10:15

Olly Glover MP (Didcot and Wantage, Liberal Democrat)

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Olly Glover Liberal Democrat. investment strategy includes a target to reach 55% of trips walked, wheeled or cycled by 2035. Is the Secretary of State confident that there is a realistic plan with sufficient funding to achieve this target?

10:15

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Unlike the previous government that took £200 million out of the active travel Budget, this active travel Budget, this government has put in £600 million into improving walking and cycling, safer routes to school, safer crossings more generally, making sure that we're investing in safe infrastructure to enable more people to walk and cycle more often. It's a real priority for this government to get this right. It saves people money in terms of having to fork out at petrol stations, also means that it's better for the country's long term health and benefits the environment, too.

What's not to like?

10:16

Joe Powell MP (Kensington and Bayswater, Labour)

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Jo Powell. parking. >> Ignoring pedestrian. >> Crossings one constituent has even had multiple surgeries after a hit and run from a child on a hat line bike every week. The cost to the NHS and local authorities soar. While the profits for the venture capitalists in California who started these companies go through the roof, I'm really keen to see safer cycling in London. I'm a keen cyclist myself, but could the Secretary of State set out when the really important new regulations for the dockless e-bike sector will kick in for Londoners?

10:17

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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Hear, hear. >> Hear, hear. >> Mr. speaker, I too want to see more cycling in London and in towns and cities across the UK, and and cities across the UK, and dockless cycles are one way to support this. We want to empower local leaders to shape shared cycle schemes so they can deliver the greatest possible benefits and mitigate any possible issues. So we'll be introducing local licensing regulations and guidance in the coming months.

10:17

Sir Ashley Fox MP (Bridgwater, Conservative)

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Ashley Fox Mr. Speaker. >> The Maritime and Coastguard agencies decision to discontinue hourly payments to volunteer rescue hourly payments to volunteer rescue coastguards threatens the safety of Burnham on Sea in my constituency and coastal communities around the country, it is inevitable that fewer people will be able to volunteer to assist the coastguard if they can't be reimbursed for time lost off work. The Minister will be aware that this decision follows a recent Court of Appeal case. So what steps will he be taking to ensure that this judgement does not lead to a reduction in the number of willing volunteers who keep our coast safe for residents and tourists? Yeah.

10:18

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Well, Mr. Speaker, the hon. Gentleman is right to point to the fact that the Court of Appeals judgement made clear that current arrangements couldn't continue. But we are committed to protecting volunteers who preserve a valuable volunteers who preserve a valuable form of public service. The revised model protects choice, flexibility and the ability for people to serve alongside their primary employment, but I look forward to working with him and members across the House to make sure that we continue having volunteers at the heart of our seafaring nation.

10:18

Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP (Ilford North, Labour)

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Wes Streeting thank. >> The disruption. of. >> The Broadmead. >> Road Bridge. For safety reasons.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Road Bridge. For safety reasons. He will also be aware from his visit that the costs of repairs dwarf that which is affordable by dwarf that which is affordable by the London Borough of Redbridge. Given this, what support can the Department for transport provide to make sure we get the bridge reopen? Minimise disruption to the Central line during the repair works so we can get Redbridge moving again?

10:18

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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I thank my right hon. Friend for his question as he as he mentioned, his question as he as he mentioned, I have seen first hand the impact that this is having on the local community. We announced a fund to community. We announced a fund to support rundown bridges, decaying flyovers and worn out tunnels. Local authorities have until early August to apply for this investment, and the department is already engaging with Redbridge Council on their application.

10:19

Mr Will Forster MP (Woking, Liberal Democrat)

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Will foster. >> Will foster. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Delays and. >> Cancellations on the. >> South Western. >> Railway network are horrendous.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Railway network are horrendous. Nationalisation has not gone to plan. Last week I asked the Leader of the House why this is the case of the House why this is the case and he said he expects things to improve, which is why we don't need a debate. Please, can the Minister tell the House what KPIs the government is using to measure success?

10:19

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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I speak regularly with the new integrated managing director of integrated managing director of South Western, Lawrence Bowman, to ensure that he is doing absolutely everything he can, both from a train operations and infrastructure management perspective, to bear down on the disruption that the hon. Gentleman, as hon. Gentleman's constituents, has had to experience. I do accept that over the last year, performance at South Western Railways hasn't been up to scratch, but I assure him that we will leave no stone unturned in making sure that his constituents have a better travelling experience in the future.

10:20

Ruth Cadbury MP (Brentford and Isleworth, Labour)

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Chair of the Select Committee Ruth Cadbury. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, Transport Committee published the report into our published the report into our inquiry on taxis and private hire licensing. Out of area working was a very significant issue of concern for many of the. For much of the evidence we received and many of our witnesses. And. The issue was also highlighted in Baroness Casey's report into Group based sexual exploitation released last year. And so I would like to know what the government is doing to restrict out of area working for taxis and private hire vehicles.

10:20

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Yeah. >> My hon. Friend raises a very important issue, and she will be aware that we have already legislated to establish a national legislated to establish a national standards and to reform the way that enforcement action can be taken against private hire drivers and vehicles, no matter where those drivers or vehicles are licensed. These standards will provide a robust framework to make sure that people are safe wherever they live, work or travel. And I do believe that drivers and operators should license where they intend to provide services.

We are bringing forward a draft taxi and private hire bill for Pre-legislative scrutiny in this session, and I'd be grateful for her committee's expertise in looking at that. We want to look at this issue of out of area, working holistically to make sure that we don't reduce the availability of private hire services for everyone, whilst also making sure that we've got the very, very high standards in place.

10:21

Lincoln Jopp MP (Spelthorne, Conservative)

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Lincoln Jopp thank you. aware of the provision in the. >> National Planning. >> Policy Framework that if a proposed development is within 800m proposed development is within 800m of a train station, that it's a presumed yes. From the planning inspector's point of view, however, this becomes a loophole, a planning loophole in my Spelthorne constituency, because Kempton Park Station is the first one outside the Oyster Zone. So no matter how many houses are built there, no one will use that station because they'll all go one stop up the line to Hampton to go in much more cheaply as a result of this planning loophole, Redrow Barratt are planning on putting a planning application into flatten Kempton Park Racecourse and put 2000 homes on it with the Secretary of State.

Look at this planning loophole in the NPF to ensure that it's not abused. And how would she feel if she is indirectly responsible for the destruction of an internationally famous iconic racecourse? Yeah.

10:22

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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I do believe that it's right to >> I do believe that it's right to prioritise development in sustainable locations, namely around railway stations, and the establishment of Great British Railways will enable us to look more holistically at the way in which the ticketing and fares system works. And of course, we're expanding pay as you go ticketing to give a more seamless experience to people who are travelling in the South east. I don't know the details of the particular planning application that he refers to.

If he wishes to write to me, I will look into it in more detail.

10:23

Mark Sewards MP (Leeds South West and Morley, Labour)

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Well. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This government has delivered the funding necessary to build mass funding necessary to build mass transit in West Yorkshire, and I'm very proud of that. However, the delay in the delivery timetable has left many of my constituents extremely frustrated that the Leeds and Bradford tram won't be delivered until the late 2030s. We have been stung too many times on mass transit projects in my part of the world. Can the Minister confirm that she will do everything within her power to accelerate the delivery of mass transit in West Yorkshire? Because, after all, both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have said it's time for trams.

10:24

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, I know there is a long and painful history of failed attempts to build mass transit in West Yorkshire, and I do understand why his constituents feel let down by what has happened in the past. Can I assure him, though, that this government fully supports Mayor Tracy Brabin plans for mass transit, and we are working hand in glove with her? Indeed, I believe that this very moment the Minister for rail is meeting with her to discuss what more the government can do to ensure we finally deliver the mass transit system that his constituents and West Yorkshire deserves.

10:24

Joe Robertson MP (Isle of Wight East, Conservative)

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Thank you. >> Mr. Speaker. brave. >> Men and women working on the front line to save lives, keep our coastline safe and at times arrive on the scene of small boat crossings. It is therefore shameful that the Maritime Coastguard Agency have decided to strip them of the small payment they receive and rehire them as unpaid volunteers. Will the Minister meet with me? My constituent Martin Groome, and other brave frontline crows, to discuss a way forward and save the Coast Guard as we know it from collapse.

10:25

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well done. >> I would be very happy to meet Mr. Speaker, with the hon. Member, who I work productively with across who I work productively with across a number of issues in this space. He will be aware that the MCA is responding to a Court of Appeal responding to a Court of Appeal judgement, which made clear that the current arrangements could not legally continue. We believe that protecting volunteering preserves one of the most valuable forms of public service, which he outlines, and I look forward to working with him to support those volunteers.

10:25

Amanda Hack MP (North West Leicestershire, Labour)

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Amanda Hack thank you, Mr. speaker, the Minister will know speaker, the Minister will know that I have been campaigning on the availability of driving tests, so I was really pleased to see this week was really pleased to see this week our changes has seen a release of driving tests back into the system. Would the Minister update me on how the demand for tests in my constituency of North West Leicestershire will be matched up with the supply of new driving test availability?

10:26

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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I thank my hon. Friend for her question. We are indeed going further on DVSA on on tackling this further on DVSA on on tackling this issue from the 31st of March. Obviously limited drivers to two changes to their driving test from the 12th of March. Restricted bookings only learners can amend their tests and book them and on the 9th of June, we limited the area that a learner driver can move their tests to, and the DVSA will of course, also continue using MoD driving examiners to help provide additional practical tests.

10:26

Rt Hon Liz Saville Roberts MP (Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Plaid Cymru)

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Liz Saville-Roberts coast guards >> Liz Saville-Roberts coast guards in my constituency were told only last week that they are to lose their remuneration, and they are their remuneration, and they are furious that their specialist skills and their dedication are now being undervalued. I heard the Minister say earlier on that he was prepared to meet colleagues from across the House. I hope that is extended to colleagues with all Coast Guard stations, because the assessment of the risk to recruitment and retention, and also to the work of other emergency services, such as the police, needs to be very clearly understood.

Yeah.

10:27

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Well, I thank the hon. Lady for her question, and it reflects the strength of feeling across the strength of feeling across the House, both for the support we have for our volunteers who man the Coast Guard, but also what work we Coast Guard, but also what work we need to do to make sure that the consequences of this judgement are fully understood and that volunteers get the support that they need. I'd be very glad to meet with her. I should also note from members that the chief executive of the MCA will be doing a drop in with Members of Parliament.

I will ensure that the details are shared with her.

10:27

Josh Dean MP (Hertford and Stortford, Labour)

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Josh Dean. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Now, residents. >> In Hertford and Stortford. >> Tell me too often that their bus services are irregular or delayed, causing unnecessary disruption and stress. I welcome the £19.5 million of funding allocated to Hertfordshire County Council through the Local authority bus grant last year, but I'd be grateful if the Minister could say a little more about how we'll work with the Lib Dem administration to ensure that this money is used effectively, and what this Labour government is doing to improve bus services in semi-rural communities, just like mine.

10:28

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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Yes. we're doing a number of pilots to demonstrate the effectiveness of the potential for bus franchising for rural areas as well. That's on top of ensuring, for the first time that Rurality has been considered in the bus funding.

10:28

James Wild MP (North West Norfolk, Conservative)

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Wow. services to and from King's Lynn are fed up with repeated weekend closures. Given the Secretary of State now oversees the track and those trains, does she agree that discounts should be offered when rail replacement buses are in operation?

10:28

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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It is sometimes essential to do maintenance work over the weekends, maintenance work over the weekends, and I do appreciate that that can cause disruption to the travelling public. We try to keep that at a public. We try to keep that at a minimum and properly communicate with passengers in advance so that they can plan their journeys accordingly. In terms of providing direct compensation, that's not something that we would be financially able to do at the current time. But what I want to do is minimise the disruption that his constituents and the travelling public across the country experience on those sorts of occasions.

10:29

Clive Jones MP (Wokingham, Liberal Democrat)

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John very much, Mr. Speaker, the Parliamentary Advisory Committee on Parliamentary Advisory Committee on Transport Safety has outlined the potential benefits of changing default default speed limits on default default speed limits on urban and rural minor roads to 20 miles an hour. Oh that's insane. What is the department's position on this, and will it be reflected in the next guidance for local transport authorities on setting up local speed limits?

10:29

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, The Secretary of State for Transport (Swindon South, Labour)

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Decisions about speed limits on local roads are matters for the local highway authority. And I local highway authority. And I think that's right, because local leaders will know their areas best. I am also acutely aware, though, that if you're hit a car travelling at 20mph compared to one travelling at 3030mph, you're five times less likely to die. And so appropriate decisions need to be taken by the appropriate authority for appropriate local circumstances.

10:30

Tessa Munt MP (Wells and Mendip Hills, Liberal Democrat)

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That's Romford. >> That's Romford. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents are. Fear is 35, has cerebral palsy and numerous other cerebral palsy and numerous other difficulties and spent her life in a wheelchair. As a result of poor NHS care when she was born, her NHS care when she was born, her parents have a mobility wheelchair accessible vehicle and take her to Day-care only four days a week, 13 miles away for 48 weeks of the year, clocking up 49,920 miles for Day-care alone.

Every five years. She has numerous hospital appointments, a trip of 58 miles and trips to the dentist and other specialist punctuate every single month under the government's new legislation. Sophia's parents, her carers, will have to pay £0.25 for every mile over the new 5000 threshold, which is likely to cost them several thousand pounds. Can the Minister please impress on her colleagues that they need to adjust country.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Or no one was sitting down? It's not me as a whip. You well know we're into topicals. They're meant we're into topicals. They're meant to be short and punchy. As important as it is, I'm sure that the Minister will have got the answer ready.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

answer ready. Are we delighted to meet with the hon. Lady. You just asked me to.

10:31

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )

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>> You just asked me to. >> Mr. speaker, thank you. Minister. In the last previous government

10:31

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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In the last previous government they. They set aside a designated fund for. To address the issue of coastal erosion. I have an 820 in my constituency of Strangford Bay. The coastal erosion happens with a ferocity every winter and every spring. Could I ask the Minister again? Would the Minister consider, please, having a designated fund set aside for coastal erosion for all of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as they did in the past?

10:31

Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Selby, Labour)

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Be a link somewhere. Good luck, Minister. Minister. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While I think this is in the main, an issue for DEFRA, the hon. Gentleman is for DEFRA, the hon. Gentleman is right to point to the fact that coastal erosion can affect a variety of transport infrastructure, including our ports, and the forthcoming National Policy statement for ports will address just the issue that he raises.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I can't get it for the erosion

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Oral Oral Question Oral Question doctor Oral Question doctor Caroline Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the government will make a statement on the effect of the availability of medicines on from VAT on compassionate drugs.

10:32

Dr Caroline Johnson MP (Sleaford and North Hykeham, Conservative)

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Minister thank you, Mr. Speaker.

10:32

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

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To have access to innovative medicines as quickly. >> For them where there is unmet clinical need or no alternative treatment. And we are working to treatment. And we are working to streamline Nice and MHRA decisions so that NHS patients benefit from the latest medicines as soon as they are proven safe and effective, and early access and compassionate use programmes can play an important role in enabling patient access to these medicines ahead of routine commissioning decisions. However, we should be clear that these programmes are a commercial decision taken by pharmaceutical companies.

Companies choose whether and how to provide medicines free of charge to patients and the NHS before these medicines go through licensing, post-trial access or before a funding decision. The tax is as. As hon. Members know, a matter for the Chancellor. So I'm not going to get into details about that here at the despatch box. But under long standing VAT rules, supplies of goods free of charge can still be treated as taxable deemed supplies where input tax has been recovered. And this means that VAT can apply even where no payment is made, reflecting established principles of the tax system.

And we recognise the concerns raised by industry and others about the potential impact of this treatment on the provision of free of charge medicines, and we are working closely with Treasury and HMRC to explore options to address these issues, as witnessed by my hon. Friend here, the Exchequer Secretary is here with me for this question this morning. We will carefully consider the legal, fiscal and operational implications of any potential changes, but until then, we will continue to engage constructively with industry, the NHS and all our partners to make sure that British patients who we have at our thoughts at all times have access to innovative medicines.

10:34

Dr Caroline Johnson MP (Sleaford and North Hykeham, Conservative)

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Caroline Johnson thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I declare an interest as a consultant paediatrician. Mr. speaker, one of the worst moments speaker, one of the worst moments as a paediatrician is when all treatments have failed. There is no suitable clinical trial. And at that point in those dark moments, compassionate use schemes can be a glimmer of hope. New unlicensed medicines with clinical potential have provided free to the patient and free to the NHS. However, last year, Mr. Speaker, the government started charging VAT on the deemed value of these drugs, meaning companies had to pay tax to give the drugs away.

When hearing at every meeting with Labour MPs was about who we can tax in order to provide benefits for others. Few would have imagined that this would include potentially life saving, charitably given drugs for sick adults and dying children. Following lobbying by my right hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch and Upminster, the government has paused enforcement while they review the situation, but they have said liabilities remain and they are taking too long. Bayer has now withdrawn from the scheme and others could follow.

Patients are at risk. So I ask the Secretary to ask the Minister does the Minister recognise this? Makes trials in the UK less attractive? Does she recognised HMRC? S pause is not enough. How much money does the government expect to raise with this VAT? How did the government find time to reduce VAT on fairground rides? Alton Towers but not to sort out this problem. How many patients have missed out so far? Does the Minister recognise that this delay could cost lives? And who was the Minister that signed this off? Was it the Health Secretary from when he was Minister in the Treasury? I understand, Mr.

Speaker, that the government says this is not new, and indeed it may apply to a law dating back over 30 years. But I would gently point out that the application is new and that the levers to change it and change it quickly lie in this government's hands. Patients need them to act swiftly.

10:36

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

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Well, Mr. Speaker, I want to >> Well, Mr. Speaker, I want to just start. I think the hon. Lady was quite right, and I pay tribute was quite right, and I pay tribute to her service as a clinician. And she's quite right that at times for patients facing this situation, this is, as she said, a glimmer of hope. And I do pay tribute to that. But I have to say, I think in the rest of her comments that they were ill deserved.

And I understand the desire of the opposition to attack a new Secretary of State because he was in the Treasury. But I'm going to move on to the actual issues because patients care about this. The rules have been in place for a long time when this government took office, and we have not changed them. We have inherited this system and we are looking at how we can improve it. They could have abolished VAT on these medicines, but they chose not to. And what's more, in the time we've been in office, we have struck a deal with the USA that not only guarantees 0% on pharmaceutical tariffs, but also changes the old formula that we used for medicines.

So for the first time in 20 years, the government are spending more to ensure our patients are first in the queue for innovative medicines. They could have also raised the threshold, but they chose not to. So now, for example, patients facing Duchenne muscular dystrophy, brain cancer drug for children as young as 12 and a type of rare and aggressive stomach cancer are now being treated. We recognise the importance of maintaining the UK's leading location for life sciences, investment and innovation, and that is precisely why we are engaging with industry and partners across government to understand and address concerns, including this issue regarding VAT payable on donated medicines.

And I will say in considering a way forward, it is important to safeguard the robust and fair system by which routine access to medicines commissioned by the NHS is determined. Mr. speaker, a range of options are being considered. No decisions have been made at this stage and I'm not going to present any more here.

10:38

Dr Scott Arthur MP (Edinburgh South West, Labour)

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Scott Arthur thank. I know she's I'm sure she's working hard to resolve this issue that, as was explained by the opposition front bench, a pause was introduced. And I know charities like sarcoma UK absolutely welcomed it, but they asked that it was made permanent. So if she is working hard to get the Treasury to really understand the impact that this charge is having on patients, will she invite the Treasury Minister to meet charities like sarcoma UK to hear first hand about what the impact of charging VAT would be? Thank you.

10:38

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

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Well, I thank him and I commend his work in this area on behalf of his work in this area on behalf of of of patients. And as I said, no decisions have been made here. We are continuing to work. And I are continuing to work. And I understand from my as I said, the Exchequer Secretary is with me here on the front bench and would be very happy to keep engaging with all interested parties.

10:39

Helen Maguire MP (Epsom and Ewell, Liberal Democrat)

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Helen Maguire Liberal Democrat spokesperson. spokesperson. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was deeply shocked to hear about the change in HMRC policy. The pharmaceutical companies must now pharmaceutical companies must now pay VAT on drugs available through compassionate use and early access schemes. This is extremely worrying. In April, HMRC told the farm industry it will Poole industry in supplying patients who desperately need these drugs. These changes have been mired in uncertainty and misunderstanding with poor communication from HMRC from the start.

The government must ensure they create a workable long term solution for the pharmaceutical industry to support these patients who are in desperate need. Patients must not lose access to medicines as a result, and HMRC must communicate with farmer and patients effectively. For patients of all ages with rare cancer types, schemes like these are the only way to access potentially life extending treatment. So has the Minister spoken to cancer charities about the real life effect these changes will have? We should be making it easier for patients.

10:40

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

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To access life extending drugs, >> To access life extending drugs, not harder. And will the Minister confirm that patients will not be denied life saving drugs as a denied life saving drugs as a result of these changes? I thank the Liberal Democrat opposition the Liberal Democrat opposition spokesperson for her comments. I think she does know that, obviously, we do engage with the sector all the time, and as I said in my comments, we will continue to work with bodies across this across the life science sector, with patients with the NHS, with HMRC and the Treasury.

A range of options have been considered. No decisions have been made.

10:40

Jerome Mayhew MP (Broadland and Fakenham, Conservative)

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Mr. speaker, we are here. >> Because the government has decided to charge VAT on donated medicines used for compassionate use schemes. Now the Minister says, use schemes. Now the Minister says, well, that's not our fault. The scheme has been around for 30 years. That may be true, the rules, but they have decided to apply them for the first time. Why is it that the government has decided to implement VAT now?

10:41

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

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Well, as I said in my statement, and as I think he knows, and again, I do think it's important for hon. Members to recognise the deep concern that, as I said, patients with an unmet clinical need who rely on this glimmer of hope, hear, hear from these sorts of exchanges. And that is why we continue. The rules are long standing, and that is why we're continuing to engage on this issue.

10:41

Sir Ashley Fox MP (Bridgwater, Conservative)

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Sir. >> Ashley Fox Mr. Speaker, it is utterly shameful that this government is presiding over the imposition of VAT being put on imposition of VAT being put on drugs donated for compassionate use. And she referred to the last And she referred to the last government. VAT wasn't put on these drugs under the last government. It is being put on these drugs under this government. And will she say, was it the Health Secretary who signed this off when he was sitting in the Treasury?

10:42

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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I think the hon. Gentleman needs last comment makes exactly the last comment makes exactly the point as to why he is raising this issue. >> Jim Shannon thank you, Mr.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Jim Shannon thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Minister the concerns of those of us who have asked questions and myself who will ask questions and myself who will ask him now are very clear. They're compassionate, and they're on behalf of our constituents who feel the pain. These compassionate access schemes are a critical lifeline for terminally ill patients, often stepping in when the NHS has exhausted all standard funding avenues and any any more by the HMRC to levy, to barter or deem supply VAT on free clinical treatments places, I believe an unacceptable risk of voluntary patient provision.

So will the Minister. I say this very kindly. Will the Minister ensure that the Treasury works collaboratively with devolved health executives to create a a permanent water tight VAT exemption so that no patient, regardless of their postcode, is left behind and the compassion is and should be a UK wide attribute and not a postcode lottery. Thank you.

10:43

Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)

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I thank the hon. Gentleman for >> I thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments and he he works very hard in this area and he's quite right to use the word compassion right to use the word compassion because that is absolutely how we must approach this issue. Because as I said in my comments, for patients who have an unmet clinical need, who are desperate for some innovation, that is why we are putting front and centre our collaboration and work with the life science sector, and working so closely to work together across HMRC, is why the Treasury Minister is here with me, listening attentively to these issues.

It's why we continue to work together. They are long standing rules. We have made huge progress in this area. I think he would acknowledge for patients in this category, particularly with our revisions to thresholds, and we've continued to do so on behalf of the patients. We all want to help.

10:44

John Lamont MP (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Conservative)

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Right. Frontbench change over. >> Right. Frontbench change over. We come to business. Acting shadow leader John Lamont. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Will the Leader of the House

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Will the Leader of the House please? Leader of the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The business for the Mr. Speaker. The business for the week commencing the 15th of June will include Monday, the 15th of June. The chairman of Ways and Means is expected to name a private business for consideration, followed by a debate on motion on

10:44

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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NHS dentistry. The subject for this debate was determined by the backbench Business Committee. Tuesday the 16th of June. Remaining stages of the Cyber Security and Resilience Network and Information Resilience Network and Information Systems Bill. Wednesday the 17th of June. Consideration of an allocation of time motion followed allocation of time motion followed by all stages of the National Security State Threats Bill. Security State Threats Bill. Thursday, the 18th of June. A general debate on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, followed by a further debate, the subject of which is yet to be confirmed.

The subject for these debates are determined by the Backbench Business Committee. Friday the 19th of June. The House will not be sitting and the provisional business for the week commencing the 22nd of June includes Monday, the 22nd of June. Remaining stages of the Armed Forces. Bill and colleagues may also wish to be aware that on Monday, the 29th of June and Tuesday the 30th of June, the House is expected to debate estimates.

10:45

John Lamont MP (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Conservative)

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Mr. speaker, my thoughts, and I'm sure those of the whole House I'm sure those of the whole House are with the man who was critically injured in the dreadful knife attack in Belfast on Monday evening. attack in Belfast on Monday evening. The bravery shown by members of the public who stepped in to help was nothing short of extraordinary. Mr. speaker, may I wish all those taking part in the common ridings and festivals across the Scottish Borders a successful and enjoyable season. Communities are gathering to celebrate traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Last week I was in Hawick for the Hawick Common Riding and I pay tribute to the Howick Cornet, Jordon Nuttall and his lass, Alex Martin, for the dignified way in which they carried out their duties. Tomorrow I will be in Selkirk for their common riding, and I hope that the standard bearer, Sam Coltart, has a successful and enjoyable day. These celebrations are a reminder of the strength of local identity, community spirit and public service that continue to define our part of Scotland.

Turning to matters of wider public concern, can the Leader of the House find time for a debate on standards in public life and accountability in government, particularly in light of the continuing questions surrounding the SNP and the Peter Murrell scandal? Following Peter Murrell's conviction for embezzling hundreds of thousands of pounds. Many people across Scotland remain deeply concerned that significant questions remain unanswered, particularly given reports that public money had may have been involved. The Scottish Conservatives, led by Russell Findlay, have rightly called for a full and independent inquiry into what happened and who knew what the Scottish public deserve answers.

They deserve to know how such substantial sums of money could disappear over such a prolonged period without detection. They deserve to know what oversight and governance arrangements were in place within the SNP, and why those arrangements appear to have failed so comprehensively. They deserve to know what senior figures in the party played during this period, and what information was available to them. There are also serious questions about the handling and timing of the wider investigation, and about decisions that have been taken throughout the process.

So why did it take so long for these matters to come to light? Why were concerned, not identified earlier? And why have so many questions continued to go unanswered despite years of scrutiny and investigation? Mr. speaker, at a time when public confidence in politics is already fragile, the perception that there is one rule for those in positions of power and another for everyone else is profoundly damaging. Transparency is not optional. Accountability is not optional. The public have a right to know that those who seek elected office are subject to proper scrutiny, and that serious failings will be investigated openly and thoroughly.

So will the Leader of the House. Therefore, consider providing government time for a debate on transparency and accountability in public institutions, and in doing so, support calls for all outstanding questions surrounding this scandal to be properly examined. Mr. speaker, while the media and the Labour Party are busy poring over every twist and turn of the by election in Makerfield the election, that may tell us far more about the future direction of Scottish politics is the one taking place next week in Aberdeen South.

There. The contest is now clearly a straight fight between the SNP and the Scottish Conservative candidate, Douglas Lumsden. As public confidence in the SNP continues to be undermined by scandal and mismanagement, there is a growing recognition that only the Scottish Conservatives can defeat the SNP and send a message to both Scotland's governments that the jobs of thousands of workers in Aberdeen's vital oil and gas sector must be protected. The people of Scotland deserve a politics that is open, accountable and focussed on delivering results rather than just distracted by scandal.

So will the Leader of the House join me in recognising the importance of transparency in public life, in ensuring that the many unanswered questions surrounding this affair are not simply brushed aside, but receive the scrutiny and answers that the Scottish and the British public rightly deserve.

10:49

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Dear Leader of the House. >> Thank you very much indeed, Mr. Speaker. And first of all, let me join with the Deputy Leader of the House in sending our best wishes to the man injured in the Belfast attack and wish him well and his family well. But also let me place on record our thanks and support to the brave police officers and the wider community that have shown incredible bravery in the face of such intimidation. I want to start off by mentioning some of the anniversaries, which will take place before the next scheduled business question.

Firstly, next Tuesday marks ten years since the murder of Jo Cox. Jo was a relentless campaigner for equality, human rights and social justice, and a powerful champion for the world's most vulnerable and marginalised, and members will have the opportunity to pay tribute to Jo and her long lasting legacy during this afternoon's debate. And I hope that members will take the opportunity to do so. This Sunday will mark the ninth anniversary since 72 people lost their lives in the Grenfell fire, and I know that the thoughts of the whole House remain with the families of those who died in the Grenfell Tower fire.

The survivors and the wider community. Mr. speaker, I also want to turn to matters which have been raised previously with me during these sessions and report back on progress which has been made and an issue which has been raised frequently with me is driving tests. So members will be pleased to see this week that further changes have been made to how and where driving tests can be booked. This is a final step in a series of changes we are making to make it easy to get a test, and to stop the exploitation of learner drivers by online bots and reselling.

Similarly, a constant theme in these sessions has been the state of our roads and the plague of potholes. And this week, Mr. Speaker, we have unveiled new rules to get potholes fixed. Councils will be required to reveal exactly how well they repair their roads, letting the public hold them to account. Long term preventative repairs will be prioritised over costly patch fixes, saving motorists hundreds of pounds a year on pothole related repairs. And last week, Mr. Speaker, the modernisation committee launched a new opportunity for members to directly shape the work of the committee by pitching ideas for what we should be doing next, and more information is available on Paul Waugh net, and I strongly encourage members to take part and share ideas.

I also. Mr. speaker, as the House will know today, the World Cup kicks off, so I am sure the whole House will join me in wishing England and Scotland the very best of luck. Members will be pleased to know that the pubs across the country are set to benefit from extensions to licensing hours and special screenings. And as I've said before, Mr. Speaker, England has only ever won a World Cup under a Labour government. So that is a test. That is a theory which I.

That is a theory which I expect to be tested not just in this World Cup, but indeed the next one. Let me turn to the remarks of the. The hon. Gentleman, and he has talked about the importance of the Common Ridings and Festival, and he is absolutely right that events like the border Common ridings are a reminder and a display of local identity and community spirit that has endured for centuries, and I am pleased to see that he is able to attend and take part in such events, and I join him in wishing all those taking part in enjoyable season.

He says that he will be at the Selkirk Common Ridings, which I believe takes place tomorrow, which commemorates the town's last and

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