David Kirkwood
Reform UK · Scotland
“Wages in countryside areas are often lower than those in urban areas, and journeys are longer, with higher fares. The commercial bus operators have a problem when passenger numbers drop. They may need to reduce frequencies to maintain profitability.”
Scottish Parliament17 June 2026Source ↗
“The fare cap is of greater benefit in the countryside than it is in the towns, where interurban fares are generally little higher than the £2 cap. Saving £5 or more per day on bus fares can make the difference when it comes to whether a job is worth while.”
Scottish Parliament17 June 2026Source ↗
“The fact that that is happening in Scotland—a tiny wee country on the edge of Europe that has dominated global innovation for well over two centuries—just makes it more exciting.”
Scottish Parliament17 June 2026Source ↗
“The fact that a boy from a single end in New Stevenston can find himself here, among the intellectual elite of Scotland, is a tribute to three main factors: a loving, hard-working family in which my mum was a nurse and my dad was a toolmaker—[Laughter.]—that is absolutely true; a traditional Scottish education gained in small-town schools…”
Scottish Parliament17 June 2026Source ↗
“Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I hope that you and the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport will accept my congratulations on your appointments. As this is my first speech here, I have some people to thank.”
Scottish Parliament17 June 2026Source ↗
“However, the legislation surrounding franchising needs to be greatly simplified before it can become widespread. That may well allow the establishment of the community-led bus companies that Patrick Harvie talked about, which would not be a bad thing at all.”
Scottish Parliament17 June 2026Source ↗