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PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: Transport Needs - 10 October 2024 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

Debate Detail

Contributions from Mike Kane, are highlighted with a yellow border.
LD
Andrew George
St Ives
9. If she will meet authorities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to discuss transport needs in those areas.
  09:54:46
Mike Kane
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
The Government are working apace to improve transport provision throughout the country. We have already announced five strategic transport priorities to improve local transport performance and increase usage. Officials will continue to meet local transport authorities across the south-west to discuss their aspirations.
  09:54:45
Andrew George
Following the points raised by the hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth (Jayne Kirkham), may I point out that a great many other challenges have been revealed since the general election? There are worries about expensive school transport and risk-free investment in Cornwall, and there are also worries on the Isles of Scilly, where we seek parity with Scotland and the English mainland in respect of lifeline links to the islands and, indeed, inter-island transport. It would be helpful if, as well as meeting the transport authorities, the Minister could meet local MPs, because these issues are becoming very serious indeed.
  09:54:45
Mike Kane
All air and sea services are operated commercially, without public subsidy. The Department has provided support, particularly during the pandemic, but its officials are committed to regular engagement with the local council to see how we can improve travel provision on the islands.
Mr Speaker
I call the Chair of the Select Committee.
Lab
  09:54:45
Ruth Cadbury
Brentford and Isleworth
The Government’s bus reforms are welcome, but rural areas such as Cornwall have perhaps the poorest bus services in England, as well as less well developed partnerships than, say, urban Greater Manchester. What plans do the Government have to ensure that rural areas in England can benefit from better bus services, as cities certainly will following the Government’s reforms?
Mike Kane
My hon. Friend is an incredible campaigner on transport matters, not just in her constituency but across the country. It is true that rural communities face different challenges, but the Government’s better buses Bill will enable local authorities to take back control of our buses and improve services, where they wish to do so.

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