Oral Answers to Questions

Christine Jardine Excerpts

Thursday 13th July 2023 Commons Chamber

[Jesse Norman]

We recognise this important issue. The Secretary of State has had the question put to him by local stakeholders. He is considering the matter and will respond in due course.

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

6. What steps his Department is taking to support local authorities to transition to low-emission buses.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Richard Holden)]

Our policy has been to support the introduction of zero-emission buses, which will reduce emissions, support manufacturing and improve the passenger experience. The Government are committed to supporting the introduction of 4,000 zero-emission buses and achieving an all zero-emission bus fleet across the UK. I am pleased to inform the House that since February 2020, an estimated 4,200 zero-emission buses have been funded across the UK, including Scotland, of which 1,600 are on the road.

[Christine Jardine]

Lothian Buses, which covers my constituency, has removed 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from its footprint, including by introducing several electric buses. Together with the tram and the low-emission zone, that is helping to reduce pollution, particularly in Corstorphine, which has one of the worst air pollution records in the country. Would the Government consider giving all local authorities greater powers and resources to franchise bus services and simplify the application system, to reverse the ban on local services setting up their own companies? How will the Government improve the measures already mentioned and introduced, as we fight to tackle what is still 25% of the pollution that we face every day?

[Mr Holden]

I thank the hon. Lady for her multiple questions. The Government have committed to look into municipal buses by the end of the Parliament. On devolution, we are happy to work with local authorities right across England and Wales on devolution settlements and what more can be done. I was delighted to visit Lothian Buses to see its fantastic red, white and gold livery right across the streets of Edinburgh and the wider region. I saw the excellent work it is doing on the ground, not just on local bus service provision but being a responsive service to the local community she represents.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

I call Christine Jardine.

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

T2. Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I promise that I will not ask for multiple answers—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Can Members please observe the proceedings? It is important.

[Christine Jardine]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I promise that I will only ask for one answer this time.

Without a price stability mechanism for sustainable aviation fuel, which will be crucial in bringing down our carbon footprint, the UK risks falling behind the SAF mandate by 2030. A homegrown sustainable aviation fuel industry could contribute £2 billion a year to this economy. In order for that to happen—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Make a guess at that, Minister. I am not going through another five minutes.