theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_74
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_74

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average processing time was for driving licence applications in (a) November 2025 and (b) each month since July 2024. \p Simon Lightwood: The tables below show the average number of working days taken to process driving licence applications made both online and not online for both group 1 (cars and motorcycle) and group 2 (lorry and bus) licences.

Group 1

Group 2

Date

Online applications

Non- online applications

Online applications

Non-online applications

Jul 2024

1.16

5.34

1.00

2.91

Aug 2024

1.22

5.50

1.00

2.16

Sept 2024

1.22

5.45

1.01

1.88

Oct 2024

1.20

4.84

1.06

1.71

Nov 2024

1.19

4.11

1.00

1.69

Dec 2024

1.21

2.87

1.05

1.80

Jan 2025

1.21

3.51

1.00

2.39

Feb 2025

1.21

4.08

1.00

1.64

Mar 2025

1.20

4.18

1.00

1.56

Apr 2025

1.18

4.09

1.04

1.71

May 2025

1.20

4.75

1.00

2.67

Jun 2025

1.27

5.77

1.01

2.82

Jul 2025

1.23

5.26

1.00

2.30

Aug 2025

1.23

5.06

1.00

2.93

Sept 2025

1.23

4.78

1.00

3.37

Oct 2025

1.36

5.28

1.00

2.58

Nov 2025

1.34

4.24

1.00

2.26

Driving licence applications where a medical condition(s) must be investigated before a licence can be issued can take longer as the DVLA is often reliant on information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued.

The DVLA is currently rolling out a new casework system which is expected to deliver significant improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions. When fully implemented, this will provide improved turnaround times, increased capacity, increased automation, higher levels of digital functionality and increased digital communication. The DVLA is also planning to launch a new medical services platform which will enable more customers to transact online and will increase the use of email communication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_75

Vikki Slade:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on road safety in the UK of her Department’s policy allowing people who obtained their driving license abroad to drive in the UK for 12 months without obtaining a UK driving license from the DVLA. \p Simon Lightwood: Foreign visitors to the UK are permitted to drive cars and motorcycles for up to 12 months without needing to exchange their licences or take a test. This system was established in 1909 and has remained in place under all recent governments, including the 2010-2015 coalition. After 12 months, people with licences from designated countries must exchange their licence for a UK equivalent whilst other licence holders must pass a UK test. Information about driving safely in the UK, notably driving on the left, is given to foreign drivers at ports.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_76
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_76

Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency last reviewed the driving test questions relating to (a) horse riders (b) cyclists and (c) motorcyclists. \p Simon Lightwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) regularly reviews the driving theory test questions to ensure they remain clear, relevant and effective in assessing candidates’ road safety knowledge and understanding. This includes the questions about how to drive safely to protect vulnerable road users such as horse riders, cyclists and motorcyclists.

In addition, the CGI video hazard perception part of the driving theory test includes hazards involving horse riders, cyclists and motorcyclists. Candidates are evaluated on their ability to identify developing hazards in good time.

Every theory test candidate is exposed to both questions and hazard clips on these topics.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_77

Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the contribution of illegally high vehicle emissions arising from the use of defeat devices to overall UK nitrogen oxide and greenhouse gas emissions levels. \p Simon Lightwood: Defeat devices are illegal, misleading for drivers and can have negative health impacts on the public.

The Department for Transport has not conducted a specific assessment of the contribution of illegally high vehicle emissions arising from the use of defeat devices to overall UK Nitrogen Oxide and greenhouse gas emissions levels.

The Department for Transport, through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, is leading investigations into suspected non-compliant diesel vehicles under assimilated Regulation (EU) 2018/858. Where non-compliance is identified, manufacturers are required to take corrective action.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_78

Greg Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she has any plans to expand automatic crash detection requirements to powered two wheel vehicles. \p Simon Lightwood: The Government treats road safety seriously and is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. Emergency call (eCall), an automatic crash notification system, is a legal requirement in mass produced new types of cars and light commercial vehicles since 31 March 2018. Whilst aftermarket approaches are available that can be utilised for other vehicle types, the Government has no current plans to extend this as a mandatory requirement for other vehicle types such as motorcycles.

We are considering plans to review the existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing, and licensing that take account of both long-standing plans in the Department for Transport and the Driver Vehicle and Standards Agency, and proposals received from the motorcycle sector. More details will be set out in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_79

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to WPQ 93460, which roads are covered by the four departures from standards that were granted; and when those decisions were made. \p Simon Lightwood: The following four schemes were granted departures from standard:

- The A1(M) J37-38. The departure was granted on the 2nd of December 2024

- The M5 J23-24. The departure was granted on the 24th of April 2024

- The M6 J37-38. The departure was granted on the 12th of May 2025

- The M4 J13-14. The departure was granted on the 20th of August 2025
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_80
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 3 November 2025 to Question 86345 on Whitchurch Station: Access, if she will announce the timeline for completion of Access for All construction at Whitchurch Railway Station. \p Simon Lightwood: We are committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognise the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

Since 2006 the Access for All programme has installed accessible, step free routes at over 270 stations plus a range of smaller scale access improvements at around 1500 stations.

In May 2024, the previous government published a list of 50 additional stations selected for initial feasibility work, which included Whitchurch railway station.

Network Rail have now completed all 50 feasibility studies and we will shortly be announcing which of those stations will progress.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the forthcoming integrated national transport strategy will include targets for improving rural bus a) coverage and b) frequency. \p Simon Lightwood: The integrated national transport strategy will focus on creating a transport network that works well for people wherever they live, addressing the main barriers people face in accessing good transport and empower local leaders to deliver better transport for their communities. As the strategy is being finalised, I cannot comment on specific policy or metrics but it will seek to ensure transport across England is safe, reliable and accessible so people can make the journeys they need to easily.

Beyond the strategy, the Government is committed to delivering better buses throughout England, including in rural areas, and introduced the Bus Services Act 2025 to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, the Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Essex County Council and Thurrock Council have been allocated £17.8 million and £2 million of this funding respectively, helping to improve bus services and connectivity across these areas.

The Government is also introducing a new approach to monitoring bus service performance through a framework of bus outcomes focused on what matters most to passengers. Combined with the flexibility for local transport authorities to invest where it’s needed most locally, this framework will drive up standards and ensure a consistent level of bus service right across the country.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information her Department holds on safety-risk assessments that consider the consequences for East Tilbury residents being cut off when the level-crossing barriers are down. \p Keir Mather: The Department does not hold this information. It is for Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways, to assess the risks at East Tilbury Level Crossing and ensure these are managed appropriately to protect users and the wider public, in accordance with its statutory safety duties.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_83

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate the Government has made of a) the annual cost to UK port operators of dredging and disposing of dredged material required to maintain navigational access, b) the proportion of those costs arising from disposal levies and monitoring fees, and c) how those costs compare with equivalent charges in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. \p Keir Mather: a) Information relating to the annual cost to UK port operators of dredging and disposing of dredged material required to maintain navigational access is not held centrally.

b) The costs arising from the disposal levies and monitoring fees for last three years are shown in the table below:

Calendar Year

Total Tonnes Disposed

Chargeable Tonnage

Fees  (1p per tonne, £15k cap)

2024

17,564,239

12,363,054

£114,025

2023

25,410,859

17,679,722

£89,322

2022

32,147,787

25,476,658

£89,332

c) The equivalent information for France, Belgium and the Netherlands is not held centrally.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_84
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UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_84

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the risks to (a) residents requiring urgent medical treatment and (b) other vulnerable residents when East Tilbury is cut off by level-crossing closures. \p Keir Mather: It is for Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways, to assess and manage the risks at East Tilbury level crossing to ensure it remains safe for all users and the wider public, in accordance with its statutory safety duties.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_85
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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of trends in the prevalence of mobile phone use while driving in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Lilian Greenwood: No assessment has been made by the Department for Transport.

The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed is the responsibility of individual Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced. The Police are operationally independent and they will investigate each case according to its individual merits taking appropriate action.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_86
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_86

Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the impact of the Revenue Certainty Mechanism on the cost of Sustainable Aviation Fuel compared with conventional jet fuel. \p Keir Mather: The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Revenue Certainty Mechanism (RCM) aims to support the development of first-of-a-kind SAF plants and pave the way for lower cost UK SAF plants.

The Government published a Cost Benefit Analysis for the SAF RCM in May 2025.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_87
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_87

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the take up of cycling proficiency programmes in schools in (a) England (b) Greater Manchester and (c) Oldham. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Bikeability programme is a key part of the Government’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy. The programme delivers a range of cycle training activities aimed at giving children the skills and confidence to cycle on the road, and is mostly delivered through schools.

Across England (outside London), Bikeability level 2 cycle training (on road) was delivered to 54% of year 6 children in 2025/6. In Greater Manchester it was 57% and in Oldham 39% (however this is a significant increase on 20% the previous year).
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_88
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_88

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of Heathrow expansion on regional airports such as Manchester. \p Keir Mather: Expanding Heathrow has the potential to support connections between the regions and London, and, in turn, between the UK’s regions and the global economy - giving the entire UK more access to Heathrow’s world-leading connectivity.

Domestic connectivity is a key part of the Airports National Policy Statement that we are currently reviewing, and we will consult on any revisions by summer 2026.
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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her planned timeline is for the establishment of Great British Railways following the passage of the Railways Bill; and if her Department will publish an implementation plan setting out milestones for the establishment of Great British Railways. \p Keir Mather: We are aiming for Great British Railways to be established as soon as possible after the Railways Bill receives Royal Assent, which will likely be around 12 months after the Bill passes. We will be focusing on implementing it, rather than publishing plans about implementing it.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_90
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_90

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of additional dedicated cross-Pennine rail freight capacity to support ports (a) in the Humber Estuary and (b) on the east coast of England, including Immingham. \p Keir Mather: Analysis undertaken to develop the TransPennine Route Upgrade suggests there could be strong potential for new rail freight capacity from both east and west coast ports to inland terminals. Work to develop options for investment, in conjunction with the rail freight sector, is on-going. Such freight flows could lead to environmental and social benefits, such as reducing carbon emissions and road congestion by removing the requirement for large numbers of lorries on cross-Pennine roads. Decisions will be taken in time to allow integration of any suitable projects into the existing TransPennine Route Upgrade programme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she provides guidance to Train Operating Companies on the declassification of first class portions of services during periods of high demand. \p Keir Mather: The Secretary of State for Transport does not issue guidance to train operating companies on the declassification of first-class accommodation during periods of high demand. Decisions on whether to declassify first class accommodation are operational matters for individual train operating companies.
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UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_92

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Network Rail has provided her with data on (a) barrier-down times, (b) duration of delays or (c) frequency of freight movements at the East Tilbury Level Crossing. \p Keir Mather: At this level crossing, there are around 150 scheduled passenger trains passing through each day and up to 45 freight services in both directions per day. During the last risk assessment, Network Rail identified that there were 102 level crossing activations, with an average barrier down time of four minutes and seven seconds, over a 24-hour period.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_93
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Rail Delivery Group, Network Rail and British Transport Police on the potential merits of a standalone offence of assaulting a public transport worker. \p Keir Mather: There is no place for abuse or assault of any worker. Public transport workers and the wider public should be assured that where offenders commit acts of violence they will be arrested and brought before the courts. The railway has its own dedicated police force in the British Transport Police (BTP), to protect rail staff and passengers.

Officials from my Department engage regularly with Rail Delivery Group, Network Rail and BTP, and have highlighted that public transport workers already have extensive protection in existing legislation such as the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 which also covers more serious violence such as actual bodily harm (ABH) and grievous bodily harm (GBH), and courts must already consider offences against public facing workers as an aggravating factor under the Police Crime and Sentencing Act 2022. We do not consider that a standalone offence is necessary, or will have the desired outcome of reducing assaults.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the impact of (a) ownership and (b) investment in Heathrow Airport by Chinese companies. \p Keir Mather: The Government takes its responsibility for national security extremely seriously and balances this with its continued commitment to welcome inward investment in a way that provides investors with the certainty and transparency they need to do business in the UK.

We work across government to conduct due diligence and other assessments and ensure that any potential national security risk to the UK is handled appropriately. For any new qualifying investments in sensitive sectors, which include transport, we will use the powers in the National Security and Investment Act 2021 to scrutinise transactions and intervene if necessary to protect national security.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_95
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of the Chinese market share of the electric vehicle market on risks to national security. \p Keir Mather: The Government is closely monitoring China's role in the automotive industry and UK electric vehicle (EV) market, including potential risks to national security.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_96
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of Network Rail’s compliance with its statutory safety duties in relation to the risk of isolation of East Tilbury when level-crossing barriers remain down for extended periods due to freight movement. \p Keir Mather: It is for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), as the independent regulator for rail safety in Great Britain, to assess Network Rail’s compliance with its statutory safety duties and enforce the law accordingly.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_97
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with Network Rail on whether the isolation of East Tilbury during prolonged barrier closures constitutes a safety risk. \p Keir Mather: It is the responsibility of Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for East Tilbury Level Crossing, to assess and manage the risks associated with the crossing in accordance with its statutory safety duties. Network Rail looks at each level crossing in detail and works closely with local authorities and communities to understand the impact on the wider local road network.
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Natalie Fleet:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps are being taken to assist British road haulage companies which also operate in the European Union to obtain dual registration of their vehicles. \p Keir Mather: The Department for Transport implemented the dual registration measure in summer 2022 to support the UK’s road haulage companies that specialise in cultural touring internationally. This was in recognition of the particular challenges this sub-sector faced resulting from EU exit, affecting their ability to support multi-stop international tours. Dual registration is not available for general haulage supporting other sectors.

The dual registration measure is for operators working on a ‘hire or reward’ basis who have an established haulage base outside Great Britain (GB) and who also maintain a GB haulage base. It allows operators to temporarily transfer their vehicles between their two operator’s licences. Guidance setting out the criteria that must be met in order for an operator to use the dual registration measure is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dual-registration-for-specialist-events-hauliers.

Individual British road haulage companies should decide whether to use the dual registration measure, based on their eligibility and business operating models.
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Maya Ellis:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to secure an exemption to the EU Entry / Exit System for international road hauliers. \p Keir Mather: The European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) is being implemented by the EU to improve border security. EES does not introduce new restrictions but will replace the current manual system for border checks of the 90 in 180-day (90/180) limit on short stays in the Schengen area which apply to all UK nationals, with a digital version. The 90/180 limit has been in place for UK nationals since 2021, when the transition period following the UK’s exit from the EU ended.

EES is not a UK Government initiative. While the UK Government is making every effort to engage with the EU as it rolls out its implementation of EES, any exemptions or amendments to the Schengen immigration rules are a matter for Member States and the EU. The Government will continue to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by these rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad.
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Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure that rail operators provide sufficient staffing and passenger management during major route disruptions. \p Keir Mather: The Department expects train operators and Network Rail to have plans in place to support passengers during major disruption, including appropriate staffing.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_101
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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the letter from the Minister of State for Rail to the hon. Member for St Albans of 28 November 2025, reference MC/00054165 whether she has received representations from Govia Thameslink Railway on integrating CCTV at St Albans City station with the new system to facilitate ease of access for authorised police and rail industry personnel. \p Keir Mather: The rail CCTV connectivity project is in its start-up phase. It is being delivered by Network Rail, who will ensure improved connectivity to British Transport Police (BTP) will be prioritised at the stations with the greatest footfall and greatest crime. GTR already provides the BTP and other police forces with CCTV footage from its trains, stations and body worn cameras across its network, but this project will speed up that process.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_102
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Dan Aldridge:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for local pedestrian safety of encouraging local authorities to prioritise the creation and connectivity of active travel routes in ways that could affect their eligibility for Active Travel funding. \p Lilian Greenwood: Active Travel England (ATE) undertakes assurance of new or upgraded schemes in close collaboration with local authorities. Submitted scheme designs are put through a series of checks using the ATE scheme review tools, last published in February 2024.

These tools include an assessment of the critical safety issues for walking, wheeling and cycling to support local authorities over scheme quality. Additional guidance on how to work with the safety issues was published in November 2025.

Eleven of the sixteen critical safety issues relate to walking and cover examples such as conflict at junctions, trip hazards, the standard and positioning of crossings and the condition of the footway. Tool outputs for completed schemes are considered as part of authority active travel capability ratings, which in turn help to determine future funding impacts.
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Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what measures are in place to ensure that assistance services in rail stations for disabled and vulnerable passengers remain functional during significant service disruptions. \p Keir Mather: All train and station operators are required, under their Accessible Travel Policy, to provide assistance to disabled and vulnerable passengers during periods of disruption. This includes, where appropriate, the provision of alternative accessible transport.

Operators must set out in their Accessible Travel Policy how they will communicate with passengers and deliver assistance during disruption, including for those who have booked help in advance. These policies are approved and monitored by the Office of Rail and Road.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_104
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Alex Sobel:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of passenger notification procedures for planned engineering works that result in disruption to rail services. \p Keir Mather: Standard practice is for journey planner websites like National Rail Enquiries and train operating company websites to start showing alternative travel information 12 weeks in advance. Network Rail is responsible for coordinating and validating timetables for the national rail network and works with all the train operating companies to ensure passengers are adequately informed of planned engineering works.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure there are sufficient rail services on alternative routes when planned maintenance works cause the closure of lines. \p Keir Mather: Network Rail plans its timetables 12 months in advance, meaning it can schedule in the time needed for planned works to improve the network. Network Rail plan works that cause the least disruption to passengers and include Bank Holidays, Sundays, and overnight when the network is less busy.

However, when planned engineering works necessitate the closure of lines, train operating companies provide alternative transport and travel arrangements to help passengers complete their journeys. Alternative transport provision may include rail replacement services, ticket acceptance on other routes/operators, or diverted trains.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_106
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with Network Rail on the impact of prolonged closures on (a) community access and (b) local transport while undertaking its statutory duties to ensure safety at East Tilbury Level Crossing. \p Keir Mather: It is the responsibility of Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for East Tilbury Level Crossing, to assess and manage the risks associated with the crossing in accordance with its statutory safety duties. Network Rail also has a duty of care to support accessibility and mitigate the impacts of prolonged downtime, as far as reasonably practicable, whilst ensuring safety is not compromised for all those using or near the crossing.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_107
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John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, What assessment she has made of the triggers for violence perpetrated on the rail network. \p Keir Mather: Train operating companies must comply with the law, which includes the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The Office of Rail and Road, as the independent railway safety regulator for the UK, oversees these legal requirements. Its enforcement powers derive from the 1974 Act, and range from giving advice and information, through to prosecution in the courts. This covers issues such as lone working, violence at work etc.

The Secretary of State also requests, through National Rail Contracts, that train operating companies measure perceptions of staff safety and develop action plans accordingly.
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Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the reliability of Northern's services on the East Durham coastline from (a) Seaham (b) Horden stations. \p Keir Mather: The Department, through the Rail North Partnership, has regular discussions with Northern and stakeholders to assess reliability and potential improvements to train services, including those from Horden and Seaham.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_109
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_109

Munira Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Railways Bill on accessibility at train stations. \p Keir Mather: The Railways Bill places a statutory duty on Great British Railways (GBR) to promote the interests of passengers, and in particular the needs of disabled passengers, when carrying out its statutory functions. This means accessibility will be embedded at the heart of GBR’s decision-making and reflects the Government’s vision for a railway that is inclusive and accessible to all.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_110
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_110

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of future road and rail freight capacity in the North of England following the cancellation of HS2. \p Simon Lightwood: Following the previous government’s cancellation of Phase 2, HS2 is now being delivered between Euston in central London and the West Midlands. The dedicated HS2 infrastructure from London to Birmingham and the West Midlands will release capacity on the West Coast Main Line which can be used to support additional rail freight services. The use of the released capacity is not yet developed, and decisions will be made closer to the opening of HS2 and be subject to consultation.

We recognise concerns about rail capacity and connectivity between Birmingham and Manchester and we are reviewing our plans for future connectivity in the Midlands and the North.

The government is committed to supporting rail freight growth with the Rail Freight growth target to increase it by 75% by 2050.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_111
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_111

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of public electric vehicle charge points were out of service in (a) November 2025 and (b) each month since July 2024. \p Keir Mather: The Department does not hold this information.

The Government is committed to ensuring public charging is reliable, and it is vital that consumers can charge hassle-free. From November 2024, the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 have required operators to achieve an average reliability of 99% across their network of chargepoints of 50 kW and above.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_112
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_112

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the West Midlands; and whether she plans to provide additional support for installing public EV chargers across Aldridge-Brownhills constituency. \p Keir Mather: The Government is committed to accelerating the roll-out of charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can make the transition to an electric vehicle (EV). As of 1st October 2025 there were 7,661 public charging devices in the West Midlands, equating to 127 devices per 100,000 of the population. There were 31 public charging devices in the Aldrige-Brownhills constituency at the same period.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which includes Aldridge-Brownhills constituency, has been allocated £16.6 million capital and resource funding as part of the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, to transform the availability of EV charging for drivers without off-street parking in the area. The WMCA has also been allocated £1,531,000 through the Electric Vehicles Pavement Channels Grant.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_113
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_113

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will publish a list of the total amount allocated to highways maintenance funding by the department, including one off grants, for the years (a) 2021/22; (b) 2022/23; (c) 2023/24; (d) 2024/25 to Central Bedfordshire Council. \p Simon Lightwood: The total highways maintenance funding, including one off grants, allocated to Central Bedfordshire Council for the financial years (a) 2021/22; (b) 2022/23; (c) 2023/24; and (d) 2024/25 is set out below.

Local Authority

2021 to 2022

2022 to 2023

2023 to 2024

2024 to 2025

Central Bedfordshire

6,941,000

6,941,000

8,632,200

7,643,000

To note, the above figures include funding from the Integrated Transport Block (ITB), which provides support for a range of local transport maintenance and enhancements. This funding stream is not limited to highways maintenance.

All highways maintenance allocations are published online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/highways-maintenance-funding-allocations
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_114
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_114

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) number and (b) proportion of rail journeys were made using (i) advance purchase, (ii) off-peak and (iii) anytime tickets in in each month since and including July 2024 up to and including the most recent month for which figures are available. \p Keir Mather: The Office for Road and Rail publish quarterly data on rail journeys by ticket type. The most recent quarter available is April 2025 to June 2025 and the quarterly breakdown can be found at

https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/usage/passenger-rail-usage/table-1222-passenger-journeys-by-ticket-type/
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_115
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_115

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many (a) Notices to Improve and (b) written instructions her Department issued to train operating companies for which the Department is the operator in relation to (i) service performance and (ii) financial control in (A) November 2025 and (B) each month since July 2024. \p Keir Mather: The Department has not issued any Notices to Improve on any of the DfT Operator train operating companies because none have been in breach of their formal contractual terms.

DfT regularly engages with all operators on service performance and financial management, aligned with this Government's priorities on improving performance and reducing subsidy.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_116
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_116

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on how many occasions in the past three years has cargo being transported in UK waters been found to contain oil sourced in or through Russia. \p Keir Mather: The UK Government constantly monitors UK waters to uphold the safety of mariners, the marine environment and the UK’s national security, which includes monitoring of ships that are suspected of being associated with the movement of Russian oil.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ships of all States have the right, subject to conditions laid down in UNCLOS, to innocent passage through UK territorial sea (the sea within 12 nautical miles of the UK coastline). As the UK is party to UNCLOS, the UK Government adheres to international maritime law and protects the passage rights of vessels transiting through UK waters.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_117
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_117

Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proportion of rail journeys used fully digital tickets in (a) November 2025 and (b) each month since July 2024. \p Keir Mather: The approximate proportion of tickets fulfilled as Digital Tickets from July 2024 to November 2025 are:

Jul-24

Aug-24

Sep-24

Oct-24

Nov-24

Dec-24

Jan-25

Feb-25

Mar-25

Apr-25

May-25

Jun-25

Jul-25

Aug-25

Sep-25

Oct-25

Nov-25

Digital (%)

82

81

84

84

84

84

86

86

85

85

85

85

85

84

86

85

87

Non Digital (%)

18

19

16

16

16

16

14

14

15

15

15

15

15

16

14

15

13
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_118
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_118

Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the level of net Government support to the rail sector per passenger journey in (a) November 2025 and (b) each month since July 2024. \p Keir Mather: The Department’s support for the 14 contracted operators and Network Rail was £8.47 per passenger journey in 2024/25. It is currently estimated that this will steadily decrease to circa £7.40 in 2028/29, primarily driven by a declining rail passenger services subsidy as passenger ridership and revenue continue to recover post COVID-19 and efficiencies and as savings are made through public ownership.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_119
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_119

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of planned cuts to British Transport Police (a) staffing and (b) stations due to the 2025/26 funding shortfall on the prevalence of crime, including anti-social behaviour, on the rail network. \p Keir Mather: The British Transport Police’s (BTP) budget is set by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA). It is the executive non-departmental public body that oversees the Force and is their employer. BTPA sets the BTP’s budget annually following proposals from the Force and views from industry. BTP works closely with BTPA and industry operators to make final resourcing decisions with their agreed budget.

For the FY25/26, a budget increase of 5.9% was agreed. The BTPA will set the Force’s budget for 2026/27 this month.

Our railways remain safe for the vast majority of passengers and staff. Whilst total crime increased in 2024/2025, crimes per million passengers has decreased since 2023/2024 from 26.8 to 26.0. The reasons and drivers for crime on the railway network are complex, and yearly changes are not directly attributable to BTP funding levels.

The BTPA are responsible for delivering an effective and efficient police force and monitoring the performance of the force. Like other police forces the BTP has operational independence, so the BTP Chief Constable and Chief Officers use a variety of data to inform the deployment of officers and other resources, following the agreement of the budget. Decisions on staffing and stations resourcing are reviewed regularly by the BTP under their optimal policing model.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_120
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_120

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many visas a) his Department, b) the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, c) the National Energy System Operator and d) the Low Carbon Contracts Company have sponsored since 4 July 2024. \p Michael Shanks: The requested data is not held centrally in a reportable format.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_121
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_121

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of rising carbon costs on the viability of UK oil refineries. \p Michael Shanks: The Government recognises the competitiveness challenges facing the refining industry and is determined to support the industry to address them and ensure the long-term future of the refining sector in the UK. In the Autumn Budget, the Government announced it is considering the feasibility and impacts of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in future. The Emissions Trading Scheme Authority also recently published its Free Allocation review response which confirmed the sector remains eligible for free allocation, with current benchmarks maintained until 2028. UK Emissions Trading Scheme: free allocation review - GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_122

Vicky Foxcroft:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent progress his Department has made towards publishing the details of how funding will be allocated to different schemes under the Warm Homes Plan. \p Martin McCluskey: We are working across government on a comprehensive Warm Homes Plan to cut energy bills for good.

At almost £15 billion, the Warm Homes Plan is the single biggest public investment programme in energy efficiency in UK history. This includes £1.5 billion increased capital in this Budget to support driving forwards with home upgrades.
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_123
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_123

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the press release entitled What does the Autumn Budget mean for your energy bills?, published on 27 November 2025, what the cost will be of funding the Renewables Obligation from general taxation. \p Martin McCluskey: Details of the cost of this measure are set out in Table 4.1 of the supporting documents for the Autumn Budget: Supporting documents for Budget 2025 - GOV.UK
wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_124
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-09)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-09 conversation_124

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he Department has made of the potential merits of Ofgem’s pay flexibility business case. \p Martin McCluskey: Ofgem is a non-Ministerial Government Department, not an agency or office of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, so DESNZ Ministers do not determine Ofgem’s pay flexibility business case.

However, the Secretary of State has given his consent to the business case being sent to the Cabinet Office and HMT Treasury, who are currently considering whether it is consistent with Civil Service pay policies, is value for money, and affordable.