Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to encourage access to outdoor recreational space through (1) improved accessibility and (2) better public transport links.

The Government remains committed to delivering the ambition and actions set out in the Inclusive Transport Strategy. Disabled people have exactly the same rights to access the transport network – including the built environment - as other users, and we need to continue to provide a transport system that enables key workers to get to work and everyone to carry out essential journeys.

The Government provides a variety of funding to support public transport links. Central and local government spends over £2 billion a year supporting bus services, in addition to money invested by the industry, and has committed to spend a further £3 billion over this Parliament. This year we are providing £20 million to trial demand responsive and other services in rural and suburban areas; and £30 million to all local authorities to improve current and restore lost services.

The Government is committed to invest around £48 billion in maintaining and upgrading the rail network in the period from 2019 to 2024, focused on increasing reliability and punctuality for passengers.

The Government has also pledged £500 million to start reopening lines and stations reconnecting smaller communities, regenerating local economies and improving access to jobs, homes and education.