Oral Answers to Questions

Julie Elliott Excerpts

Monday 18th May 2020 Commons Chamber

[Clive Lewis (Norwich South) (Lab)]

What recent steps the Government have taken to help prevent key workers who (a) work on and (b) use the rail network contracting covid-19.

[Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab)]

What recent steps he has taken to protect (a) public transport drivers and (b) other public transport workers during the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Andrew Stephenson) [V]]

I pay tribute to all public transport drivers and workers, who have been working incredibly hard to ensure that those on the frontline can get to work. New safer transport guidance was published on 12 May, and we are working closely with transport operators across the sector on its implementation.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am afraid we cannot hear Clive Lewis.

[Julie Elliott [V]]

I thank the Minister for his answer. To protect public transport workers’ safety, they need job security. The Government’s funding arrangement runs out with the Metro and Nexus on 9 June, so it is fine that risk assessments are taking place, but we need the trains to run. Can the Government tell me when the arrangements will be made with the Metro and Nexus to allow our crucial Metro system to carry on running?

[Andrew Stephenson]

We continue to work with the metro Mayors to look at these issues, and we work closely, in conjunction with Treasury Ministers, to ensure that the funding necessary is provided and that we can support public transport networks right across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.