Coach operators and their MPs have been encouraged to attend a virtual parliamentary lobbying event that is being held in support of the industry. It will take place on Wednesday 10 February at 1030hrs. Registration is free.
The session will be hosted by the coach sector’s political ally Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Hessle. All MPs from all political parties have been invited and 20 have confirmed their attendance thus far.
Grant Shapps among invitees to coach industry lobbying event
It is hoped that Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps will be at the event, although it is possible that one of Mr Shapps’ team may attend instead. A social media campaign has been mounted to highlight the importance of the coach industry by tagging him.
In addition to Mrs Hardy, Shadow Transport Minister Sam Tarry is now helping to fight the coach sector’s corner. He will be present at the lobbying session. Also speaking will be three operators: Paul Acklam of Acklams Coaches, Candice Mason of Masons Minibus and Coach Hire, and Jenna Rush of North East Coach Travel.
Further lobbying follows disappointing Treasury response
Next week’s event has been called following a disappointing response from the Treasury to a meeting held in December to make the sector’s case for bespoke support.
Following that meeting, Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen said it was “not currently prepared” to provide financial measures for the industry. Despite that setback, Mrs Hardy immediately pledged to continue her support for coaching.
Also to address the lobbying session is Confederation of Passenger Transport Head of External Relations Tom Bartošák-Harlow. He says: “I am looking forward to speaking at this event and making it clear to the Secretary of State the very real challenges that the coach sector faces and the consequences of a lack of support.
“I would encourage every coach operator to make sure their MP knows about the event and to ask them to attend.”
Register to attend here.
