Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Alex Mayer Excerpts
Thursday 5th March 2026

(1 day, 9 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alex Mayer Portrait Alex Mayer (Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard) (Lab)
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Young coach drivers are severely limited in the distances they are allowed to drive. Trying to get to London from your constituency, Madam Deputy Speaker, they would only make it as far as Sheffield. The Government have recently closed a consultation on this issue. Could the Leader of the House let us know when we will get a response? It seems very strange that people of the same age are able to drive a 44-tonne lorry, but not a coach for any considerable distance.

Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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My hon. Friend raises some important issues. The Government recognise that the bus and coach sector has had issues recruiting and retaining bus drivers in recent years. As she says, we are considering next steps. I will make sure that she gets an update once this process has been completed.