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UK PARLIAMENT · SITTING

Simon Lightwood

MP for Wakefield and Rothwell · Labour (Co-op) · United Kingdom

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

The Bus Services Act empowers local leaders to choose the model that works best in their area. Our reforms are focused on giving local authorities the tools they need to deliver better bus services. The Act also has a measure on socially necessary local services.

BUS SERVICES: HAMPSHIRE · 2026-07-16 · READ IN HANSARD

My hon. Friend is right that transport has a vital role to play in unlocking opportunities for young people, as I know from growing up in a coastal community. Through the Bus Services Act 2025, we are giving local leaders greater power to shape bus services around their local needs, including in coastal and rural communities.

BUS TRAVEL AFFORDABILITY: CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE · 2026-07-16 · READ IN HANSARD

I will of course join my hon. Friend in commending the Mayor of London for the work that he is doing to keep the people who power our transport system safe. A well-functioning transport system is integral to growth.

BUS SERVICES · 2026-07-16 · READ IN HANSARD

The Government are providing local authorities with a record £7.3 billion investment in local road maintenance, giving councils the long-term certainty that they need to fix potholes, repair road defects and adopt a more preventive approach to maintenance. Some of the funding is being used to incentivise best practice and innovation.

ROAD REPAIRS: NEW TECHNOLOGY · 2026-07-16 · READ IN HANSARD

The hon. Lady and I met in October to discuss the tolls on the Mersey Gateway. As she is aware, these charges are the responsibility of Halton borough council.

TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY: RUNCORN AND HELSBY · 2026-07-16 · READ IN HANSARD

I share my hon. Friend’s commitment to UK bus manufacturing. I am delighted that through the UK bus manufacturing expert panel, mayoral combined authorities have agreed to a commitment that 10% of social value criteria will apply in all future bus procurement exercises.

BUS MANUFACTURING: SCOTLAND · 2026-07-16 · READ IN HANSARD

The complete record

Every one of 601 lines we hold for Simon Lightwood, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 13 of 13.

  1. If I may, I want to put on record my thanks to you, Dame Siobhain, and the other Chairs of the Committee over the past couple of weeks. I also want to thank the Clerks, who have literally done a marathon today, running backwards and forwards—it is great to see active travel alive and well. I thank the Hansard Reporters and the Doorkeepers overseeing proceedings. I also thank the officials who have supported me in bringing this important legislation forward, and for helping me navigate my very first Bill Committee on the Government Front Bench. Finally, I also thank hon. Members on all sides of the House for their valuable contributions and insights throughout these sittings. In particular, I thank the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Broadland and Fakenham, and the Liberal Democrat spokesman, the hon.

    BUS SERVICES (NO. 2) BILL [ LORDS ] (SEVENTH SITTING) · 2025-07-03 · READ IN HANSARD