Ruth Cadbury MP used her first speech in Parliament since the 2024 general election to call for the Government to put transport at the ‘‘heart of national renewal’’, while praising the Governments ‘bold’ legislative agenda. In her speech Ruth mentioned the economic benefits that investment in transport, especially public transport such as rail and buses, can bring while also highlighting the positive benefits in tackling the climate crisis.
Ruth then praised the Secretary of State for Transport for her ‘‘bold and ambitious plans’’ in the Kings Speech which included legislation to bring the railways back into public ownership when the contracts expire. Ruth hailed this as ‘‘essential for a simplified and unified rail system that focuses on improving passenger services while getting value for the taxpayer.’’
Ruth also praised the Government for allowing local authorities to set up locally owned and ran bus companies. Ruth said that allowing this to happen would help work towards ensuring towns across England have ‘‘regular day, evening and weekend services, simple fare structures, and high standards of safety, accessibility and passenger information’’
Commenting in full after her speech Ruth said,
‘‘After 14 years of successive Governments that ignored and undervalued our transport network I was pleased to see that the Kings Speech included a thorough legislative agenda to fix our transport network, and put power back into local hands.
I know from listening to people both locally in Hounslow and Whitton, and across the country that people want to see better public transport, especially on our trains. Too many trains are overcrowded, delayed or cancelled and too many passengers are getting ripped off by record high fares. I’m delighted that the new Government have sought to fix the mess they have inherited and are already working to put transport at the heart of our national renewal. A working transport system is good for our economy, good for our environment and good for families.
I look forward to continuing to champion efforts to improve transport in the UK.’’