Jerome Mayhew Portrait

Jerome Mayhew

Conservative - Broadland and Fakenham

719 (1.5%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 12th December 2019

Shadow Minister (Transport)

(since November 2024)

Opposition Whip (Commons)

(since November 2024)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill
10th Jul 2025 - 17th Jul 2025
Water (Special Measures) Bill [HL]
18th Dec 2024 - 16th Jan 2025
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
21st Oct 2024 - 16th Dec 2024
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Business and Trade)
19th Jul 2024 - 6th Nov 2024
Renters’ Rights Bill
16th Oct 2024 - 5th Nov 2024
Environmental Audit Sub-Committee on Polar Research
18th Jan 2023 - 30th May 2024
Environmental Audit Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 30th May 2024
Finance (No.2) Bill
15th May 2024 - 21st May 2024
Finance Bill
10th Jan 2024 - 16th Jan 2024
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill
7th Jun 2023 - 11th Jul 2023
Public Accounts Commission
4th Jul 2022 - 11th Jul 2023
Electricity and Gas Transmission (Compensation) Bill
23rd Jan 2023 - 25th Jan 2023
Backbench Business Committee
15th Mar 2022 - 21st Nov 2022
Shark Fins Bill
9th Nov 2022 - 16th Nov 2022
Glue Traps (Offences) Bill
12th Jan 2022 - 19th Jan 2022
Finance (No.2) Bill
8th Dec 2021 - 11th Jan 2022
Elections Bill
15th Sep 2021 - 26th Oct 2021


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Jerome Mayhew has voted in 252 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

26 Nov 2024 - Tobacco and Vapes Bill - View Vote Context
Jerome Mayhew voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 23 Conservative Aye votes vs 35 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 415 Noes - 47
View All Jerome Mayhew Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Simon Lightwood (Labour (Co-op))
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
(44 debate interactions)
Steff Aquarone (Liberal Democrat)
(18 debate interactions)
Emma Hardy (Labour)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
(15 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Legislation Debates
Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [HL] 2024-26
(30,885 words contributed)
Water (Special Measures) Act 2025
(4,863 words contributed)
Water Bill 2024-26
(4,410 words contributed)
Renters' Rights Bill 2024-26
(3,878 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Jerome Mayhew's debates

Broadland and Fakenham Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

In modern society, we believe more consideration needs to be given to animal welfare and how livestock is treated and culled.

We believe non-stun slaughter is barbaric and doesn't fit in with our culture and modern-day values and should be banned, as some EU nations have done.


Latest EDMs signed by Jerome Mayhew

4th June 2025
Jerome Mayhew signed this EDM on Wednesday 4th June 2025

Mauritius Treaty

Tabled by: Kemi Badenoch (Conservative - North West Essex)
That the Agreement, done at London and Port Louis on 22 May 2025, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, should not be ratified.
107 signatures
(Most recent: 1 Jul 2025)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 92
Reform UK: 5
Independent: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 3
Traditional Unionist Voice: 1
Ulster Unionist Party: 1
Labour: 1
18th August 2021
Jerome Mayhew signed this EDM as a sponsor on Wednesday 18th August 2021

Legislative Reform (Church Commissioners) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021 No. 842)

Tabled by: Chris Loder (Conservative - West Dorset)
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Legislative Reform (Church Commissioners) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021 No. 842), dated 13 July 2021, a copy of which was laid before this House on 27 July 2021, be annulled.
6 signatures
(Most recent: 18 Aug 2021)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 5
Liberal Democrat: 1
View All Jerome Mayhew's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Jerome Mayhew, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Jerome Mayhew has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Jerome Mayhew has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

2 Bills introduced by Jerome Mayhew


A Bill to require the whole-life carbon emissions of buildings to be reported; to set limits on embodied carbon emissions in the construction of buildings; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 24th February 2023

A Bill to introduce a retirement age of 75 for members of the House of Lords; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
19th Jul 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has plans to issue new guidance on social value in procurement.

Public procurement is a key lever for enabling delivery of the Government’s missions by using procurement policy to drive economic growth, raise employment standards in business, and achieve additional social value through the life of a contract. The Government’s ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’ sets out an ambitious programme to value organisations that create local jobs, skills and wealth and treat their workers well and equally. Ministers are considering how to take these plans forward.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
31st Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to paragraph 4.91 of the Autumn Budget 2024, what proportion of the additional funding will be used to (a) administer the compensation scheme and (b) fund the public inquiry.

Of the additional funding set out in the Autumn Budget 2024 for financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26, over £150m will be used to administer the various compensation schemes. Over £100m has been set aside to continue to fund DBT and Post Office’s participation in the public inquiry.

The Budget also set out that around £1.8 billion has been set aside for redress costs for the victims of the Horizon IT Scandal from 2024-25.

22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate he has made of the cost of replacing the Post Office Horizon IT system.

As part of the Spending Review 2021 Government provided Post Office with a total of £185m of funding to support investment activities, which included the ongoing maintenance and replacement of the Horizon IT system. In 2023 Government provided a further £103m to support with the costs of Horizon maintenance and replacement. Post Office is currently assessing the future costs of replacing the Horizon IT system. Further funding is to be allocated subject to the Spending Review process.

22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the response to issues arising from the failures of the Horizon IT System on his Department's capacity to deal with other issues.

No such assessment has been made, however tackling the legacy of the Horizon scandal is a major priority for the Department.

22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many and what proportion of her Department’s full time equivalent staff have been allocated to working on its response to failures of the Horizon Post Office IT system in each month of the last two years.

The table below shows the number and proportion of the Department's Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) staff over the last 2 years working solely on its response to the Post Office Horizon Scandal. The figures do not include a further 15 vacant roles for which recruitment is under way and expert cases assessment teams which are contracted by DBT and are not civil servants. Also, further recruitment will follow as the Department implements plans to create an appeals mechanism for the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, as announced in September.

FTE staff

2022

November

14.75

December

14.75

2023

January

17.6

February

21.6

March

21.6

April

21.6

May

24.6

June

25.6

July

26.6

August

22.6

September

20.6

October

20.6

November

20.6

December

21.6

2024

January

27.6

February

34.6

March

34.6

April

46.6

May

50.6

June

56.6

July

65.6

August

67.6

September

67.6

October

68.6

15th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to publish the impact assessment for the Employment Rights Bill.

On Monday 21 October, the Government published a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill (http://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments).

10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many full-time civil servants are working on compensation for postmasters.

Within the Department for Business and Trade, there are currently 60 full time civil servants working on redress for postmasters across the 4 available redress schemes.

Government is determined that all postmasters who suffered as a result of the Horizon scandal receive the full and fair redress they deserve, as swiftly as possible thus we routinely review whether additional staff are needed.

30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on (a) SMEs and (b) other employment.

The Department is producing an impact assessment of the Employment Rights Bill, in line with the HMT Green Book and the Better Regulation Framework, consideration will be given to the potential impact on SMEs and other employment effects.

18th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what employee thresholds his Department uses to classify what is a (a) micro, (b) small and (c) medium sized firm.

Employee thresholds used by this department to classify micro, small and medium-sized firms are shown in the table below:

Type of firm

Employee threshold

Micro

0 to 9 employees

Small

10 to 49 employees

Medium

50 to 249 employees

18th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has plans to simplify the process for employees to raise grievances against (a) their employer and (b) fellow staff.

The Acas statutory Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures provides basic practical guidance to employers, employees and their representatives and sets out principles for handling disciplinary and grievance situations in the workplace. As part of our Plan to Make Work Pay we will work with Acas to consider whether there is a need to update procedures in this area.

18th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to page 21 of the Kings Speech 2024 background briefing notes, published 17 July 2024, what the projected annual budget will be for the proposed Fair Work Agency.

The UK's labour market enforcement system is fragmented and ineffective. This is bad for workers and bad for businesses who do the right thing. This government will finally establish a single body, the Fair Work Agency, to enforce workers' rights, including strong powers to inspect workplaces and take action against exploitation.

More details, including proposed budgets for the body, will be provided in due course.

18th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to introduce new corporate reporting requirements.

The Government is keen to ensure the UK's corporate reporting requirements support economic growth by providing the information investors need to allocate capital effectively, while helping users of reporting understand how business activities align with the UK's net zero and environmental goals. The King's Speech announced that the Government will take forward a bill to improve UK corporate governance and auditing and we will provide further information on specific reporting initiatives in due course.

23rd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Great British Energy on household energy bills.

In an unstable world, the only way to guarantee energy security and protect billpayers is to reduce our exposure to volatile international markets. Great British Energy is driving the deployment of the clean, homegrown energy. It will ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers, and communities reap the benefits of this.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to announce the results of the Small Modular Reactor competition.

Great British Nuclear was established in 2023 as an expert nuclear delivery. It is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process. This is a live procurement and is ongoing; the window for submitting tenders has now closed and Great British Nuclear is now evaluating bids, with further updates to follow in due course.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the development of a UK nuclear supply chain.

To meet our current and future nuclear ambitions, we will work with the civil nuclear sector to ensure the UK has a resilient supply chain with the required capabilities and capacity across a range of activities from the front-end fuel cycle to waste management.

To do so, we will continue to engage with industry to identify barriers to entry and opportunities for working together to improve the attractiveness of working in the nuclear sector.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of nuclear energy to his net zero goals in 2050; and if he will provide a roadmap for the deployment of nuclear assets.

Nuclear energy, as one of the most reliable, secure, low-carbon sources of home-produced energy, is an essential part of our journey to net zero. Our manifesto made it clear that we support new nuclear, both large-scale, such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, and Small Modular Reactors.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has met with the Secretary of State for Education to discuss the development of skills needed for the growth of the nuclear sector.

My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with Ministerial Colleagues on a number of issues.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to meet its target of 16.5% tree cover by 2050.

We are making progress towards the statutory target to reach 16.5% tree and woodland cover in England by 2050. The Government has pledged up to £400 million for tree planting and peatland restoration over the current and next financial year. As part of that we will create new woodland including national forests to bring communities and woodlands closer together and to create new green jobs. The Government has launched a Tree Planting Taskforce to support our plans to plant millions more trees.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
7th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his EU counterparts on UK legislation on gene-editing.

This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

The Government is introducing legislation to enact the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 for plants and food and feed before the end of March.

The European Commission has published a proposal that is similar in aim to the Precision Breeding Act. The department is monitoring progress on the EU’s regulatory proposal closely and engaging with the European Commission when appropriate.

Officials have met with EU counterparts several times to discuss England’s approach to precision breeding and the EU’s proposal on new genomic techniques, including through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee and through the UK-EU Joint Consultative Working Group Agri-food structured group.

7th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his policy is on aligning gene-editing legislation with that of the European Union.

This is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

The Government is introducing legislation to enact the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 for plants and food and feed before the end of March.

The European Commission has published a proposal that is similar in aim to the Precision Breeding Act. The department is monitoring progress on the EU’s regulatory proposal closely and engaging with the European Commission when appropriate.

Officials have met with EU counterparts several times to discuss England’s approach to precision breeding and the EU’s proposal on new genomic techniques, including through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee and through the UK-EU Joint Consultative Working Group Agri-food structured group.

14th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether franchised bus networks in combined authorities are reliant on (a) emergency and (b) extraordinary Government funding support.

No. In England outside London, the only franchised bus services in combined authorities operate in Greater Manchester. Since franchised bus services were first introduced in Greater Manchester in September 2023, no emergency or extraordinary funding for franchised bus networks has been announced by the Department for Transport.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has has discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential fiscal impacts of the long-term subsidy requirements of franchised bus networks.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities.

Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention.

The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs.

The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has set financial performance benchmarks that combined authorities must meet in order to access Government support for bus franchising.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities.

Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention.

The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs.

The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has reviewed the long-term financial sustainability of franchised bus networks.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities.

Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention.

The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs.

The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the value for money of Government funding provided to franchised bus networks.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities.

Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention.

The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs.

The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has provided additional subsidy to franchised bus networks that were originally forecast to break even.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities.

Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention.

The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs.

The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that lessons from the financial performance of the Bee Network are reflected in other areas seeking bus franchising powers.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities.

Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention.

The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs.

The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the suitability of the Bee Network model as a template for wider bus franchising in other combined authorities.

The government has not provided funding to local authorities specifically to franchise bus networks. However, we have confirmed investment of over £1 billion in 25/26 to support and improve bus services and to keep fares affordable, this includes £712 million for local authorities.

Under the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must carry out a detailed assessment to ensure that any proposed franchising scheme is feasible, affordable, and deliverable. This robust planning process helps minimise the need for central government intervention.

The Department has worked closely with Greater Manchester throughout their franchising process, and we will continue to do so to learn lessons to support other areas who decide to undertake franchising. There are a range of different franchising models that can be used, and the Greater Manchester model is just one.  We want to understand more about how different models of franchising can work for different local areas. Alternative models have been set out in our revised statutory guidance to franchising authorities, and our pilot programmes will further develop practical tools and case studies to help LTAs choose and implement the approach that best fits their local needs.

The Government is committed to reducing the cost and complexity of bus franchising. Following the introduction of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department will refresh franchising guidance to give authorities access to new powers that streamline the process.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much and what proportion of the Bee Network’s 2025-26 operating budget is funded by (a) the national grant, (b) local contributions, and (c) passenger revenues.

We are supporting Greater Manchester to maintain and improve bus services in the Bee Network with £66.4m of Local Authority Bus Grant funding in 2025-26.

The overall operating budget for the Bee Network, including the breakdown between national grant, local contributions, and passenger revenues, is a matter for Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to increase the volume of freight transported by rail.

The Government is committed to supporting rail freight growth, recognising its significant economic and environmental potential and its critical role in the UK’s resilience. Last year, rail freight volumes increased by 5%.

We will support future growth by placing a statutory duty on Great British Railways to promote the use of rail freight. We have also confirmed that there will be an overall target of an 75% increase in rail freight moved by 2050, alongside other targets that will be announced prior to the stand up of Great British Railways.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has requested financial reporting from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the Bee Network since the 2019 assessment.

The Department for Transport works closely with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to support the development and delivery of the Bee Network. Since the 2019 assessment, the Department has not formally requested financial reporting specific to the Bee Network as a whole. However, GMCA is required to provide financial and performance reporting in relation to specific funding streams that support the Bee Network, including their City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, the Local Authority Bus Grant, and one-off additional funding in 2023/24.

The Department continues to monitor the use of public funds through these mechanisms, but the overall financial management of the Bee Network remains a matter for Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress she has made in increasing rail freight growth.

The Government, alongside Network Rail and the rail freight sector, continue to make progress on ensuring the growth of rail freight. In the year April 2024 to March 2025, rail freight volumes increased by 5%.

Network Rail’s Access Charge Discounts Policy scheme has been crucial in helping new flows get up and running. Since launching in August 2024, the scheme has supported 15 new flows. Four of the five flows that have passed the discount period have continued to operate, undiscounted.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much funding her Department has provided to the Greater Manchester Bee Network since July 2024.

The Department is committed to supporting the development of integrated transport systems that work better for people and communities across the country, including the Bee Network.

Between 2022-23 and 2026-27, we are providing £1.07bn of City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding to Greater Manchester to deliver transformational change to Greater Manchester’s transport infrastructure. Greater Manchester will also be eligible for an additional £14m in Highways Maintenance funding in 2025-26, to support maintenance of the local highway network and ensure the smooth running of buses and active travel in the Bee Network.

Additionally, we are supporting Greater Manchester to maintain and improve bus services in the Bee Network with £80.8m of funding in 2024-25 and £66.4m of funding in 2025-26. We have supported Greater Manchester to build and maintain walking and cycling infrastructure through the Consolidated Active Travel Fund with £5.1m of funding in 2024-25 and £15.7m in 2025-26.

Finally, we are supporting the Mayor’s ambition of integrating rail into the Bee Network with £14m of funding from 2024-25 to 2025-26 to support the Pay-As-You-Go ticketing trial to roll out contactless ticketing on rail in Greater Manchester.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the amount of Government funding required to sustain the Bee Network over the next five years.

The Department is committed to supporting the development of integrated transport systems that work better for people and communities across the country, including the Bee Network.

Between 2022-23 and 2026-27, we are providing £1.07bn of City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding to Greater Manchester to deliver transformational change to Greater Manchester’s transport infrastructure. Beyond that, we have confirmed a £2.5bn Transport for City Regions settlement for Greater Manchester from 2027-28 to 2031-32. This will provide unprecedented funding that will empower Greater Manchester’s local leaders to make decisions on cycling, walking, bus and rail that support the Bee Network, making journeys quicker, more accessible and reliable.

Additionally, we will be supporting Greater Manchester to maintain and improve bus services in the Bee Network with a share (to be confirmed) of the funding announced as part of the Spending Review to maintain and improve bus services and extend the £3 fare cap until March 2027. This is in addition to the £66.4 million we are providing through the Local Authority Bus Grant in 2025/26.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much national grant funding she plans to provide to the Bee Network in 2025-26.

The Department is committed to supporting the development of integrated transport systems that work better for people and communities across the country, including the Bee Network. We are providing £335m in 2025-26 to Greater Manchester under the Local Transport pillar of its Integrated Settlement. This will enable Greater Manchester to deliver transformational change to transport infrastructure; support maintenance of the local highway network; maintain and improve bus services; and build and maintain walking and cycling infrastructure.

We are also supporting the Mayor’s ambition of integrating rail into the Bee Network with £9m of funding for 2025-26 to support the Pay-As-You-Go ticketing trial to roll out contactless ticketing on rail in Greater Manchester.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of pausing the Midland Mainline upgrade on (a) future East Midlands Railway regional fleet requirements and (b) planned Control Period 7 work.

I recognise the importance to the UK’s rolling stock manufacturing sector, and its supply chains, of having a strategy for rolling stock and supporting infrastructure. The Government is committed to developing this strategy in advance of Great British Railways. It will include consideration of the likely long-term future rolling stock needs across the network, including East Midlands Railway’s regional fleet requirements.

Since the decision to pause further electrification of the Midland Main Line was confirmed, Network Rail have been making plans for their current activities in a way that enables work to be subsequently utilised, as and when electrification on the route is re-started. As part of this they are also establishing the potential impact of the pause on other planned works.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
23rd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with Network Rail on the proposed redevelopment of (a) London Euston and (b) London Liverpool Street stations.

The Department has regular discussions with Network Rail, as part of our engagement with key partners to develop affordable, integrated plans for the Euston Station campus. This will comprise the new HS2 station, an upgraded Network Rail station and enhancements to the London Underground station and local transport facilities, along with a significant level of development. As part of this process, Network Rail is developing a scheme for the redevelopment of the existing Euston Station that will accommodate current and future passenger demand on the West Coast Main Line, while replacing life expired station assets in a cost-effective manner.

Officials in my Department are engaged with Network Rail Property and Planning teams around the redevelopment proposals for Liverpool Street station. These plans are at an early stage and will be subject to planning consents. Both my Department and Network Rail will continue to review these plans as they develop.

Lilian Greenwood
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
23rd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the cost to the public purse was for the development of the planning application by Network Rail for the redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station; and what estimate she has made of the potential cost of the (a) planning and (b) redevelopment of London Liverpool Streest station in each of the next five financial years.

The planning application, for a fully intermodal transport solution for Liverpool Street Station, was prepared through a Network Rail and Transport for London partnership at a cost of £8.7m. These costs will be re-imbursed as part of securing a development and investment partner, which will also provide private investment in the order of hundreds of millions of pounds. This is a detailed application and subject to timely consents, the planning process will incur no further costs.

Lilian Greenwood
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many FTE staff work for Great British Rail transition team.

The Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) was set up as a temporary organisation under the previous government to design and transition towards Great British Railways, including building cross-industry capability. GBRTT no longer directly employs any staff. The Department working in close collaboration with Network Rail, DfTO and wider industry partners is taking forward work on the design and transition to GBR.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with Network Rail on plans for the redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station.

Officials in my Department are engaged with Network Rail Property and Planning teams around the redevelopment proposals for Liverpool Street station. These plans are at an early stage and will be subject to planning consents. Both my Department and Network Rail will continue to review these plans as they develop.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations she has received from Historic England on Network Rail’s redevelopment of London Liverpool Street.

The Department for Transport has not received any representations from Historic England around the redevelopment proposals for Liverpool Street station. However, I understand that Network Rail have closely consulted with Historic England in the development of their updated proposals. Whilst Historic England had significant concerns about the original plans, I am now reassured that the revised proposals have substantially addressed those concerns. Plans are at an early stage and will continue to liaise with relevant stakeholders as the project develops.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
3rd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much money has been spent on the Great British Rail Transition Team.

The Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) was set up as a temporary organisation under the previous government to design and transition towards Great British Railways, including building cross-industry capability. Total funding provided to GBRTT was: £12.9m in the financial year 2021-22; £52.7m in the financial year 2022-23, £41.3m in the financial year 2023-24; and £27.6m in the financial year 2024-25.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
27th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an estimate of the amount of funding spent on reforming the train ticketing system in the (a) 2021-22, (b) 2022-23 and (c) 2023-24 financial years.

The Fares Ticketing and Retail (FTR) Programme to modernise ticketing and retail systems started at Spending Review 2021. The first year of the programme was 22/23. The Department spend £55.7 million in 22/23 and £66 million in 23/24 on the FTR programme.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
27th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of conclusion one of the Public Account Committee's report entitled HS2: Update following the Northern leg cancellation, HC 357, published 28 February 2025, on the governance of Great British Railways.

Work is underway on the design of Great British Railways, including its governance. We will take learnings from elsewhere, including the Public Account Committee’s recent report on High Speed Two (HS2), to ensure GBR is set up to deliver better services for passengers and freight customers, and better value for money for taxpayers.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the new Great British Railways ticketing system will automatically identify the cheapest combination of fares for each journey.

Once Great British Railways is established, it will retail online by consolidating individual train operators’ ticket websites. It will work alongside a thriving private sector retail market, which will continue to play a key role in driving innovation and investment and encouraging more people to choose rail.

The Railways Bill consultation, which launched on 18 February, will help us develop more detailed plans for GBR’s retail offer. We are consulting closely with industry, the private sector, and wider stakeholders.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much of the funding allocated to reform the train ticketing system has been spent.

The department is committed to reforming the train ticketing system and improving passenger experience. There has been substantial progress in extending Pay As You Go (PAYG) ticketing in the South East and progressing PAYG trials in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. We will establish Great British Railways, ensuring fares and ticketing are managed in the interests of passengers and taxpayers.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
13th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of conclusion one of the Public Account Committee's report entitled HS2: Update following the Northern leg cancellation, HC 357, published 28 February 2025 on the governance of HS2.

In light of the Public Account Committee’s recent report on High Speed Two (HS2), this government’s priority is to deliver HS2 Phase 1 safely and to the lowest reasonable cost. We have set out urgent measures to get the programme back on track and have tasked Mark Wild, the new CEO of HS2 Ltd, with conducting a reset of the HS2 programme to provide a realistic budget and schedule and to deliver the remaining works.

As part of this reset, the government reinstated ministerial oversight of the project to ensure greater accountability and commissioned an independent review of the oversight of major transport infrastructure projects, which is investigating the effectiveness of forecasting and reporting of cost, schedule and benefits, as well as actions to deliver cost efficiencies.

The Department will update Parliament on the programme reset as it progresses.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)