Transport

Frequent Flyer Levy

Selaine’s response:

As part of a consultation on aviation tax reform between March and June 2021, the Government sought views on whether a frequent flyer levy could replace Air Passenger Duty (APD) as the principal tax on the aviation sector.

In the responses received to the consultation, a wide range of views on a frequent flyer levy were expressed. Some stakeholders, including those from the aviation industry, strongly opposed any suggestion that APD should be replaced with a frequent flyer levy, on the grounds that it would be significantly more difficult to administer. Conversely, environmental stakeholders supported the introduction of a frequent flyer levy, considering that the benefits of such a levy outweighed any potential administrative complexity.

Following the consultation, having considered all views received carefully, the Government published a response which outlined that it was minded to retain APD as the principal tax on the aviation sector, noting in particular concerns about the possible administrative complexity and data processing, handling and privacy of a frequent flyer levy.

You can read more about the consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-aviation-tax-reform

November 2023

Mileage and Fuel Rates and Allowances

Selaine’s response:

The Government sets the Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) rates to minimise administrative burdens. AMAP rates aim to reflect running costs including fuel, servicing and depreciation. Depreciation is estimated to constitute the most significant proportion of the AMAP rate.

Employees can claim up to 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and the 25p per mile for subsequent miles. The mileage thresholds reflect that the AMAP rates are designed to cover both a proportion of fixed costs, such as insurance and VED, as well as ongoing costs such as fuel.

Employers are not required to use the AMAP rates. Instead, they can agree to reimburse a different amount that better reflects their employees’ circumstances. Where payments exceed the relevant AMAP rate, there will be an Income Tax and National Insurance charge on the difference. It is therefore ultimately up to employers, including individual public sector organisations, to determine the rate at which they reimburse their employees.

All elements of taxation, including mileage rates, are kept under constant review. Changes to mileage rates would be considered as part of the normal process leading up to future budgets

I welcome that voluntary organisations are allowed to make payments under the AMAP scheme to their volunteer drivers.

More widely, I welcome the Chancellor's decision to maintain fuel duty at current levels until March 2024, spending £5 billion on a tax cut worth £100 per driver this year. This will be achieved by keeping the 5p cut in fuel duty that was introduced last year, as well as cancelling the scheduled 11p increase in fuel duty.

August 2023

Private Jets

Selaine’s response:

The UK has set a legally binding target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and aviation must play its part. The Government's ambition is that UK domestic aviation will be net zero by 2040. This target is supplemented by a further ambition that net zero aviation emissions will be possible by 2050.

Technical consultation and analysis as part of the Government's Jet Zero programme showed that the aviation sector can achieve net zero without the need for Government intervention to limit aviation growth. The Government's stated aim is to preserve the ability for people to fly whilst supporting consumers to make sustainable aviation travel choices. To begin delivering this vision, the Government is funding a British led consortium as it conducts the first ever net zero transatlantic flight.

In terms of taxation, as part of a consultation on aviation tax reform between March and June 2021, the Government sought views on whether a frequent flyer levy could replace Air Passenger Duty (APD) as the principal tax on the aviation sector.

You can read more about the consultation here: Consultation on aviation tax reform - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

July 2023

Frequent Flyer Levy

Selaine’s Response:

You can read more about the consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-aviation-tax-reform

May 2023

Active Travel

Selaine’s response:

The Government invested over £850 million in active travel between 2020/21 and 2022/23. It has also committed to spending at least a further £100 million capital into active travel over the remainder of the spending period, as part of a £3 billion investment in active travel over the course of this Parliament.

Further, the newest version of the Highway Code introduces a ‘hierarchy of road users’, a concept whereby the road users able to do the greatest harm are bestowed the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to other road users. The hierarchy is designed to bring about a more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use that benefits all users. At the top of the hierarchy is pedestrians (in particular children) older adults and disabled people, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists.

As Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking, I continue to raise the importance of active travel in Parliament and continue to engage with my ministerial colleagues who I know share the desire to see continued investment in cycling and walking.

April 2023

FairCharge

Selaine’s Response:

I attended the FairCharge drop in in February. It was great to speak to the team and discuss the importance of electric vehicle charging points is becoming more common in public places. I am aware that HMRC has received requests from businesses and business representatives to clarify the rules in specific cases, and in particular to confirm the VAT status of electric vehicle charging at charging points in public places.

There is a reduced rate of VAT for supplies of small quantities of electricity, known as ‘de minimis’. The de minimis provision does not apply to supplies of electric vehicle charging at charging points in public places. This is because these supplies are made at various places such as car parks, petrol stations and on-street parking, not to a person’s house or building.

Applying the reduced rate of VAT to electricity supplied at EV charging points in public places would come at a cost. VAT makes a significant contribution towards the public finances, raising around £130 billion in 2019/20, and helps fund the Government's priorities including the NHS, schools, and defence. Any loss in tax revenue would have to be balanced by a reduction in public spending, increased borrowing or increased taxation elsewhere.

Any decision to modify our tax regime is a matter for the Treasury and careful consideration will be given to any proposed amendments to current VAT rates. I understand that the Government keeps all taxes under review, including VAT. I shall be following the developments on this issue closely.

March 2023

Audio Visual Information on Buses

Selaine’s response:

Audio visual equipment on buses can support a wide range of disabled passengers to feel sufficiently confident to use buses. It enables them to access education, employment and other services, whether or not they are familiar with the route they are travelling.

Through the Bus Services Act 2017, accessible information powers require all bus operators who operate local services across Great Britain to provide audio and visual route and next-stop announcements on board buses.

The Government has also committed, through the Inclusive Transport Strategy, to investing £2 million towards ensuring audio visual equipment is installed on buses. The Real Time Information Group, who support good practice regarding communications technology on public transport, will work with the Department for Transport to allocate the £2 million to small bus operators, for audio and visual on-board information.

I understand concerns relating to the pace of the rollout of audio visual announcements on buses and am reassured by plans to publish the response to the accessible information consultation and lay the Accessible Information Regulation. Subject to Parliamentary approval, these Regulations would commence in 2023.

January 2023

Cycling and Walking

Selaine’s response:

As well as being greener, active travel helps to reduce pressure on public transport and the road network.

The Government is investing over £2 billion in cycling and walking over the course of this Parliament. As part of this, the 2021 Autumn Budget included £710 million of new investment in active travel funding over the next three years. This funding will deliver hundreds of miles of high quality, segregated cycle lanes, provide cycle training for every child and deliver an e-bike support programme to make cycling more accessible.

The £710 million investment builds on a £338 million package announced in July 2021, which is already delivering high-quality cycle lanes and aiding the delivery of new schemes to encourage walking. In total, I am told that over 1,000 miles of safe and direct cycling and walking networks will be delivered by 2025.

In June 2022, the Government announced that former Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman will serve as National Active Travel Commissioner on a permanent basis in order to drive forward active travel efforts and ensure that cycling and walking become the natural choice for shorter journeys. Chris Boardman has emphasised the essential importance of ensuring that active travel are safe and easy.

The newest version of the Highway Code introduces a ‘hierarchy of road users’, a concept whereby the road users able to do the greatest harm are bestowed the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to other road users. The hierarchy is designed to bring about a more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use that benefits all users. At the top of the hierarchy is pedestrians (in particular children) older adults and disabled people, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists.

As Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking, I continue to raise the importance of active travel in Parliament and continue to engage with my ministerial colleagues who I know share the desire to see continued investment in cycling and walking.

October 2022

Rail vs. Air Travel

Selaine’s response:

Train fare revenue is crucial to funding day-to-day railway operations and wider rail investment, which benefits passengers across the country. In recent years, I know that rail operators have been investing in more trains, better stations and faster journeys. Any rise in rail fares helps this progress to be maintained.

As you may know, rail fares will rise in 2022 by 3.8 per cent, below the current retail price inflation of 8.2 per cent. I believe that capping rail fares at 3.8 per cent strikes a fair balance, ensuring that the Government can continue to invest in a more modern, reliable railway, while easing the burden on taxpayers and protecting passengers from the highest retail price inflation in years. Further, the Government, giving passengers more time to purchase cheaper flexible and season tickets at the existing rate.

With regards to air travel, I do welcome that the UK Government is cutting Air Passenger Duty (APD) on UK domestic flights by 50 per cent to boost Union connectivity. This will make travel cheaper and more accessible for around nine million passengers in 2023-24. However, it is right that the Government will introduce a new ultra-long-haul band, covering destinations with capitals located more than 5,500 miles from London to align APD more closely with the Government’s environmental objectives.

Frequent flyers already pay more under the APD system. It is my opinion that an additional frequent flier levy would be complex to administer, could be difficult to implement, would pose data processing and privacy concerns, and could prove unfair for those with an essential need to fly frequently. I think it is therefore sensible to keep any changes within the context of the existing APD system.

April 2022

VAT on Electric Vehicle Charging

Selaine’s response:

The use of electric vehicle charging points is becoming more common in public places and I am aware that HMRC has received requests from businesses and business representatives to clarify the rules in specific cases, and in particular to confirm the VAT status of electric vehicle charging at charging points in public places.

Any decision to modify our tax regime is a matter for the Treasury and careful consideration will be given to any proposed amendments to current VAT rates. I understand that the Government keeps all taxes under review, including VAT. I shall be following the developments on this issue closely, and I will ensure my colleagues at the Treasury are aware of the strength of feeling on this issue.

February 2022

Guide Dogs - Access All Areas

Selaine’s response:

It is of paramount importance that disabled people are able to travel safely, confidently and independently.

I welcome that there are already strict laws in place against discrimination towards those who rely on guide dogs. Indeed, it is unlawful for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to refuse to carry passengers accompanied by guide dogs, and drivers convicted of illegally refusing carriage already face fines of up to £1,000 in addition to costs. They may also have their licence suspended or revoked by the respective local licensing authority.

I do recognise, however, that we must go further. Disabled people make twice as many journeys by taxi and private hire vehicle as non-disabled people, and it is essential that local licensing authorities and operators work to ensure maximum accessibility for those with disabilities, including those with guide dogs.

I am pleased that the Government’s response to the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and PHV licensing committed to introduce legislation when time allows to make it mandatory for drivers to complete disability awareness training as part of national minimum standards.

Ministers have also now published new, more robust Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, which local authorities will be expected to implement. The new standards are intended to improve consistency within the licensing system, reducing the risk of harm posed to vulnerable passengers and children.

January 2022

Train and Plane Fares

Selaine’s response:

Train fare revenue is crucial to funding day-to-day railway operations and rail investment, which benefits passengers. For instance, rail operators have been investing in more trains, better stations and faster journeys. Any rise in rail fares helps to allow this to be maintained.

Nevertheless, I appreciate that fare prices may be of concern to some people and that is why the Government has frozen increases in regulated rail fares in real terms for the past seven years. While there has been some press speculation around rail fare increases for 2022, I understand the Government has not yet made a decision on ticket price increases. Indeed, the Department for Transport is considering a range of options as part of a "rail recovery" package aimed at getting passengers back on the network.

With regards to air travel, the Government, as part of its recent consultation on aviation tax, outlined its initial view that the effective rate of Air Passenger Duty (APD) on domestic flights should be reduced in order to support Union and regional connectivity, while the number of international distance bands should be increased in order to align APD more closely with the UK's ambitious environmental objectives.

The consultation sought evidence on the potential impacts of these proposals, including on regional air routes, and engaged with airports in all parts of the UK during the process, and the Government is reviewing responses to the consultation and I look forward to an update in due course.

Frequent flyers already pay more under the APD system, but I welcome recent consultation on aviation tax reform and look forward to the outcome of this consultation. An additional frequent flier levy would be complex to administer, could be difficult to implement, would pose data processing and privacy concerns, and could prove unfair for those with an essential need to fly frequently. I think it is therefore sensible to keep any changes within the context of the existing APD system.

October 2021

EDM 382 and National Bus Strategy

Selaine’s response:

Please note that I do not sign any Early Day Motions (EDMs). These have no chance of becoming law, and according to the House of Commons Library, cost £271 each to publish. I do not feel that this is a good use of taxpayer’s money, nor do I feel that this is an effective way to raise an issue in Parliament.

I continue to raise my constituents’ concerns with Ministers privately and in Parliament to ensure that North Devon is represented in the most appropriate way. I also feel that EDMs have also been superseded by e-petitions, which can be signed by everyone, and have much more success in raising awareness of different issues.

Buses are the backbone of the UK’s public transport network, being used for twice as many journeys as trains and from thousands more stopping places across the country.

Since 1986, bussing in England outside London has been deregulated. This model has not always worked for passengers, which is why I am pleased the Government has committed to levelling-up bus services, tackling many of the issues that EDM 382 notes, and that Local Traffic Authorities (LTAs) face.

Through the National Bus Strategy, the Government will ensure the skillsets of both private bus operators and LTAs are brought together in either an Enhanced Partnership, or through franchising agreements. This is a welcome approach which will develop and deliver improvements for passengers and is backed by the £3 billion investment pledged in 2020. I am glad to see that all LTAs have now confirmed that they are developing one, or both approaches, and that Bus Service Improvement Plans are being developed for the 31 October deadline. This strategy will prove equally beneficial in supporting decarbonisation goals, as £120 million has already been invested in zero-emission buses this year.

This investment is in addition to the £50 million already pledged to delivering the first all-electric bus town in the UK, whilst striving towards the Prime Minister’s commitment to 4,000 new zero emission buses.

Improving our bus services to the levels that passengers deserve is of great importance, and I am therefore delighted that the Government has put forward a comprehensive plan to achieve this, strengthening the powers of our LTAs and ensuring we continue towards our goal of hitting net-zero by 2050.

October 2021

HS2

Selaine’s response:

Following the recommendations of the independent Oakervee review on the benefits and impact of HS2, the Prime Minister gave the go ahead to HS2 alongside major improvements to local transport networks across the country. Construction work on Phase One of HS2 has now commenced, while Phase 2a has also achieved royal assent.

HS2 will form the backbone of the UK’s transport network, delivering a significant increase in rail capacity, with hundreds of thousands of extra seats. It will cut journey times, bring our biggest towns and cities closer together, enhance North-South connectivity, boost productivity in the Midlands and the North, and crucially it will help to spread prosperity more evenly across the country. HS2 will also play an important role in delivering the Government’s net zero carbon objectives.

Let me be clear that this is not an either/or decision between HS2 and improving the rest of the existing rail network, in particular local services in the Midlands and North. HS2 is in fact integral to giving the regions the fast connections they need.

I have been reassured that Ministers will work hard to speed up the delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail. More broadly, ‘High Speed North’ will be established to ensure an integrated, effectively sequenced plan to make sure the North and Midlands have the rail capacity and connections they need – east to west and north to south.

I am also particularly pleased about the Government’s determination to see a line drawn under the failures of HS2 Ltd’s management, transparency and cost control to date. A dedicated Minister with specific responsibility for oversight and accountability of HS2 has been appointed and they will present regular reports to Parliament to enhance transparency.

HS2 Ltd.’s role will also change. The complex Euston station element will become the responsibility of a new body, as will the design and construction of Phase 2b. This will enable HS2 Ltd to focus its energies on delivering Phases 1 and 2a successfully.

I appreciate that many people in North Devon and the South West may not see the benefit of HS2 but this project is just part of wider improvements to our transport network. While our A361 is being upgraded right now we are still working on improvements to the A303 and the surrounding roads, which also controversial, will improve road connections from the South West to London.

September 2021

Train Fares

Selaine’s response:

Currently, some fares are regulated by the Government, which controls their price, while others are not, as train operators are free to set them on a commercial basis. Around 45% of rail fares are regulated, with increases directly influenced by Government policy. This includes season tickets on most commuter journeys, some Off-Peak return tickets on long distance journeys and Anytime tickets around major cities.

Train fare revenue is crucial to funding day to day railway operations and rail investment, which benefits passengers. For instance, rail operators have been investing in more trains, better stations and faster journeys. Any rise in rail fares helps to allow this to be maintained.

Nevertheless, I appreciate that fare prices may be of concern to some people and that is why the Government has frozen increases in regulated rail fares in real terms for the past seven years. Whilst there is currently some press speculation around rail fare increases for 2022, I understand the Government has not yet made a decision on ticket price increases. Indeed, the Department for Transport is currently considering a range of options as part of a rail recovery package aimed at getting passengers back on the network.

I welcome that the Government also recently proposed the biggest change to the railways in 25 years, bringing the network under single national leadership. A new public body, Great British Railways, will own the infrastructure, receive the fare revenue, run and plan the network and set most fares and timetables. Reforms will also include a simplified ticketing system, including the rollout of new flexible season tickets to reflect new working and travel patterns, as well as making significant rollouts of pay as you go, contactless ticketing and digital ticketing on smartphones.

In the meantime, there are already several concessionary travel schemes available. In particular, two new railcards for young people are on sale and the Government has just brought in a Veterans’ railcard. More details on these can be found at the following link:

www.railcard.co.uk

September 2021

E-Scooters (Update)

Selaine’s response:

I understand that the use of e-scooters in pedestrian areas can cause concern for all pedestrians, and especially those who are partially sighted or blind and who use guide dogs.

I appreciate that people with disabilities, especially those who are blind and visually impaired, can be more greatly affected by some of the negative impacts of electric scooter use. It is important that our streets are as accessible as possible, and I welcome that the Department for Transport has carried out a preliminary assessment of the impacts of e-scooters on blind people. While there is currently limited evidence available, the current trials have been designed to enable the Government to gather robust and comprehensive evidence of the impact of e-scooters on all road users.

Local authorities must engage with local groups that represent the interests of disabled people before submitting a proposal to hold a trial, to allow concerns to be raised and, where possible, mitigated before trials commence, and I understand that the Department have rejected proposals where this engagement has not taken place. Officials have also engaged with a range of key stakeholders, including representatives from: Guide Dogs, the RNIB, and the National Federation of the Blind of the UK.

As the trials continue to run, the Department has considered the possible implications for visually impaired people and have attempted to minimise these through measures such as not allowing e-scooter on pavements and asking local authorities to consider in their trial plans ways to avoid e-scooters creating an obstruction when not in use. Following consultation last year, the Department now requires all e-scooters used in trials to have a horn or bell so that users can make others aware of their presence, and have also asked operators to develop more robust geo-fencing to tackle pavement riding and other anti-social behaviour.

Other than as part of the Government approved e-scooter trials, it is illegal for e-scooters to be used on public roads. My ministerial colleagues in the Department for Transport, along with the police, are aware of the current issues with e-scooters. I understand that local police forces across the country have a range of sanctions at their disposal to address illegal e-scooter use, including on the spot fines and placing points on any licence held by the user.

MPC Andy Bennett, Road Casualty Reduction Officer with Devon and Cornwall Police has said on the matter that if officers find anyone using e-scooters in a public place, the scooter will be seized, and the rider reported for any offences.

March 2021

Fuel Duty

Selaine's response:

I welcome the fact that the decision to freeze fuel duty for 10 consecutive years has saved the average driver over £1,000. I firmly believe that the most effective way to keep fuel prices down is through an open and competitive market.

Cars are essential to many people here in North Devon and I have conveyed your comments on fuel duty to my colleagues at the Treasury. They assure me that all elements of taxation, including the various reliefs associated with any given tax, are kept under constant review. Any changes to fuel duty would be considered as part of the normal process leading up to the Budget, and I shall be listening carefully to what the Chancellor has to say about motorists.

For the first time since 1926, money raised through car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) is now being spent directly on the roads. Around £28bn is being invested in England's strategic and local roads, an amount equivalent to all VED receipts. I was very pleased to see the announcement in the recent Spending Review that £1.7 billion has been made available for local highway authorities in England (outside London) for 2021-2022 to improve the condition of local roads and associated infrastructure.

February 2021

Eurostar

Selaine's response:

I welcome that Ministers and officials, together with other Government Departments, have been in regular contact with Eurostar since March 2020 in relation to their financial situation. The Department of Transport continues to work closely with Eurostar to consider all commercial financing options available to the company, which include drawing on existing support schemes where eligible and appropriate.

I understand that the Department will continue to discuss Eurostar’s financial situation with the French Government, and I trust that Ministers will also continue to closely monitor the financial impact of Covid-19 on Eurostar and the international transport sector more broadly.

February 2021

E-Scooters

Selaine's response:

I understand that the use of e-scooters in pedestrian areas can cause concern for all pedestrians, and especially those who are partially sighted or blind and who use guide dogs.

February 2021

Pet Travel (Including Guide Dog Travel)

Selaine's response:

I truly understand how important it is for guide dogs and their owners, as well as pets in general, to be able to travel to and from the EU with as much ease as possible. Now that the Transition Period has ended, you will need an animal health certificate signed by a vet, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. You will also need tapeworm treatment for dogs if you are travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta. You can find more information about what is required here: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland.

Ministers are continuing to press the EU Commission on securing Part 1 listed status for the UK under the EU Pet Travel Scheme as it is clear that the UK meets all the requirements for this, with one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe to protect biosecurity. This would enable UK issued pet passports to continue to be used.

I am pleased that Ministers have ensured there are no changes to the current pet travel rules for entry into Great Britain from Northern Ireland, and they are working closely with the Northern Ireland Assembly to ensure a long-term solution which supports pet owners and assistance dog users entering Northern Ireland.

Finally, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is proactively and positively engaging with the assistance dog community on the impacts on dog movements to the EU. I am assured that Ministers will continue to closely work with assistance dog organisations to share the latest advice and guidance in accessible formats with their members on pet travel requirements as this is updated.

February 2021

E-Scooter Trials

Selaine's response:

The Department for Transport is currently running a series of electric scooter trials in a small number of local areas across the country. This was to allow the Government to look into the true benefits and costs of electric scooters. E-scooters could ease the burden on the transport network and, in light of coronavirus, help to facilitate social distancing. However, the Government will need to understand the full impact of electric scooters before any decision is made on whether they should be legalised.

Some local councils have raised concerns around the safety of e-scooters after reports of misuse, such as use in pedestrianised areas. This is against the clear government guidance first published in July, which lists the rules for members of the general public who are using e-scooters that are part of trials. The full list of guidelines can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-scooter-trials-guidance-for-users.

As I understand it, two cities have halted the trials due to these issues. I welcome that local councils are prioritising the safety and concerns of their communities, and understand that trials that have been put on hold will be reviewed by local authorities. It is my hope that trials which have been halted may resume when the e-scooters can be used safely and appropriately. I understand that my Ministerial colleagues have been clear that it is important that trials take place in a safe and controlled way and that more robust initial launch plans must be put in place for future trials. I know the Department for Transport is using this feedback to help other trials avoid these issues.

September 2020

Sight Loss and Public Transport

Selaine's response:

As an RNIB Champion, I take a very close interest in issues affecting those with sight loss. I am committed to ensuring those who experience sight loss do not lose access to the parts of daily life we take for granted, such as public transport.

The Government has recently published new guidance for transport operators, reminding them that all equality and discrimination law continues to apply, and that they have a duty to ensure that passengers with disabilities, including those with sight loss, are able to access the transport network.

The guidance makes clear that transport operators must support individuals to ensure they are able to adhere to social distancing, and that guidance should be provided for workers assisting people with disabilities. Information should also be provided for disabled passengers on how they can continue to access transport in a safe way. Operators should publish details about provision for disabled passengers, and they should note any changes to assistance services.

I would also expect passengers using public transport to be considerate towards those with disabilities who may require a seat or more space around them. I also commend the guidance put together by Guide Dogs for the Blind and I would be happy to draw it to the attention of local transport operators.

June 2020

HS2

Selaine's response:

On the recommendation of the independent Oakervee Review commissioned last year, the Prime Minister has given the go ahead to HS2, alongside major improvements to local transport networks up and down the country.

HS2 will play an important role in the UK’s transition to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. I understand that HS2 will offer some of the lowest carbon emissions per passenger mile, seven times less than passenger cars and 17 times less than domestic air travel in 2030. HS2 is also expected to help reduce the number of cars and lorries on the road and cut demand for domestic flights.

It is estimated that the total carbon emissions produced by both constructing and operating Phase One for 120 years would be the same as just one month of the UK's road network.

HS2 was also the first major transport infrastructure project in the UK to commit to the achieving ‘no net loss’ in biodiversity.

I am pleased that a green corridor will be created alongside the railway. This will involve the planting of seven million new trees and shrubs, including over 40 native species, along the Phase One route from London to the West Midlands.

It is also welcome that an overall £70 million funding package has also been made available to enhance community facilities, improve access to the countryside, and help improve road and cycle safety in towns and villages along the HS2 Phase One route.

May 2020

ABTA Campaign

Selaine's response:

During this difficult time for the country, the Government recognises the extreme disruption the necessary actions are having on people’s lives, their businesses, their jobs and the nation’s economy. That is why it has produced a huge and unprecedented programme of support both for workers and for business, and it will continue do everything it can to ensure people can pay their bills, stay in their home and put food on their table.

I do not underestimate the difficulties currently facing the travel industry, and the Government is engaging with the package travel sector and consumer advocacy bodies to assess the impact of cancellations made in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. The Government has already taken a number of steps to ensure more support for businesses of all sizes, including those in the travel industry. This includes extending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until at least the end June, extending the Coronavirus Interruption Loan Scheme to support all small businesses affected by coronavirus and creating a new Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme to help bigger firms as well.

I hope that travel firms of all sizes are using the schemes available to get through this extremely challenging period as best as they can. The Government is making progress on rolling these out, with the loans issued so far already worth more than £1.1 billion. Approvals have doubled in a week and lenders are increasing the number of loans they are approving every day. It has also changed the scheme to make it quicker and easier for banks to get the loans out the door to businesses.

I know that Ministers are aware of the ABTA campaign and will take any measures deemed necessary to support the travel industry. I will continue to engage with the Government on this.

April 2020

HS2 and the Environment

Selaine's response:

On the recommendation of the independent Oakervee review commissioned last year, the Prime Minister has given the go ahead to HS2, alongside major improvements to local transport networks up and down the country. I am in regular discussions with Ministers to make sure North Devon gets a fair share of the new investment in transport.

The Oakervee review considered HS2’s environmental impact in line with the Government’s ambitious legally binding target for the UK to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The review found on balance, taking into account both construction and operation, that HS2 appears likely to be close to carbon neutral, and that it could also encourage people to travel by rail instead of by car or flying.

I do also agree with the review’s recommendation that HS2 Ltd should continue to look for ways of being more carbon efficient, particularly in construction in the short-medium term. Moreover, I support the recommendation that HS2 Ltd should look to reduce its forecast greenhouse gas emissions for the construction and delivery of Phase 2.

A green corridor will be created alongside the railway, including the planting of seven million new trees and shrubs along the Phase One route from London to the West Midlands. This is on top of the extensive tree-planting programme the Government has already announced.

March 2020

Northern Rail

Selaine's response:

Railways should allow people to access education and highly skilled, well paid jobs, and of course enable them to socialise. I therefore welcome that the Government is taking action to bring about much needed change.

From 1st March, the Northern Rail franchise will be taken into public ownership and the Government will begin operating Northern services through the public-sector operator, the so-called operator of last resort (OLR). The franchise system is being reviewed by the Government and all options are being considered to ensure that the railways work for passengers.

The Government is determined to see tangible improvements for passengers and I understand that the Pacer replacement programme will continue. I have been very glad to see that from December 12th of last year, the Barnstaple to Exeter line has received new trains to replace the frankly inadequate, older carriages.

Rail is absolutely key to our economy and we need better rail links in the South West and for North Devon in particular. I have already had many meetings to see what the Government can do to improve our railways and to improve North Devon’s infrastructure more broadly.

February 2020