PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(28 August 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support UK bus manufacturing and strengthen the domestic supply chain, in the context of increasing competition from China in the zero-emission bus market; and what assessment she has made of the impact of this trend on UK jobs, investment, and long-term industrial capacity in the bus manufacturing sector.

Asked by:
Sarah Edwards (Labour)

The Government recognises the important role of a vibrant UK bus manufacturing sector.

That is why the Government is committed to supporting the full transition to zero-emission buses (ZEBs). In March, we announced up to £73.2m in additional funding to support the delivery of approximately 484 ZEBs across 10 projects in England, on top of £38 million announced last April.

In addition, our modern Industrial Strategy launched DRIVE35, the biggest government investment in the automotive industry of the post‑war era. With £4bn in capital and R&D funding to 2035, DRIVE35 will accelerate UK innovation in strategic vehicle technologies, support their commercial scale‑up, and unlock investment across all aspects of automotive manufacturing and electrification, including buses.

Furthermore, in March 2025, the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel was launched, bringing together industry experts and local leaders to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing. The final meeting was held in March 2026. At the meeting, Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) agreed a set of Commitments which included a 10% minimum application of social value in all future bus procurement exercises and to explore collective procurement options across MCAs.

It also agreed that the 10-year zero emission bus order pipeline, that was published in March 2026, will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure an accurate forward look on ZEB manufacturing.

The Government is aware of concerns raised by UK manufacturers regarding increasing competition in the zero-emission bus market and the potential implications for jobs, investment and industrial capability. Where industry is concerned that increased competition is as a result of unfair foreign trade practices – i.e., dumping, subsidisation or an unforeseen surge of imports – they can apply to the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) for a trade remedy investigation.

We will continue to engage and work with the industry to ensure a competitive UK bus manufacturing sector.

Answered by:
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