Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Emma Dent Coad and Nusrat Ghani

Thursday 10th January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Ms Ghani]

I can indeed assure my hon. Friend that all submissions will be given appropriate consideration, and the report will be published in due course.

[Emma Dent Coad (Kensington) (Lab)]

Currently just one out of 10 tube stations in Kensington is step-free. That is unacceptable. The council and London’s deputy mayor for transport tell us we must rely on developer funding to pay for it, which will never be enough, and in some instances they suggest funding just one platform in one direction, which is insulting. Just 50 stations out of 270 are step-free in the capital— the worst record in Europe. Will the Minister review Government funding to address the severe lack of inclusivity across our capital’s transport system, which is a national disgrace?

[Ms Ghani]

I believe that the hon. Lady is talking about the underground, which is the responsibility of the Mayor. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor and delivered by Transport for London. It is for the Mayor to determine how to increase step-free access at underground stations. If the hon. Lady is embarrassed about the situation, I suggest she takes this case straight back to the Labour Mayor of London.