Business of the House

Anna Gelderd Excerpts

Thursday 29th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and her constituent for their local initiative, and I will make sure that the relevant Department has heard her question today. I encourage her to apply for a Westminster Hall debate, so that the matter can be discussed further, because I am sure that other Members might want to join in on that.

[Anna Gelderd (South East Cornwall) (Lab)]

Last weekend was the 65th anniversary of the building of the Tamar bridge. Local people are still paying to cross what is clearly critical national infrastructure. I marked the occasion by talking to local people in Saltash and Torpoint about my petition to end the tolls, which are a barrier to growth and to accessing essential healthcare, schools and jobs over the Tamar. Will the Leader of the House support me in securing a meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport on delivering a fairer toll system in the short term, and a toll-free Tamar in the long term?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for this question; she is assiduous in campaigning on this matter. She makes a powerful case about the financial burden that tolls place on residents and businesses who need to get to work and access essential services. I will make sure that the Transport Secretary is made aware of her representations on the Floor of the House today. We will see whether we can arrange a meeting for her.