Latest news with #MarkusCampbell-Savours
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Calls to change free bus travel scheme for people over 60 nears important UK Government milestone
The national entitlement scheme operates UK-wide but there are different eligibility age rules under devolved governments. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? Nearly 80,000 people have signed an online petition supporting calls for changes to be made to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) and bring it into line with the same service provided by the Scottish Government for people over 60 living north of the border. People can sign the e-petition until Friday, June 27 and if it reaches 100,000 signatures of support, it will be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament. Petition creator Karen Hickman argues the current scheme is 'unjust' and calls for 'equality for everyone over 60'. The campaigner explained people in England, living outside London, are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach State Pension age - 66 for both men and women - which she believes has 'changed dramatically.' The 'extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England' petition states: 'We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60. 'Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. 'It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.' Earlier this month, Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours has urged the UK Government to consider the 'potential impact of introducing free bus passes for people aged 60 and over on social inclusion, the economy and the environment. The written question from the Penrith and Solway MP is similar to the proposal put forward in the petition by Ms Hickman. In a written response, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, explained how the ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and 'any changes to the statutory obligations would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability'. He continued: ' No assessment has been made of the potential impact of lowering the age on social inclusion, the economy or the environment.' However, he added that local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, which includes lowering the age of eligibility. He explained that 'additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources'. Mr Lightwood added: 'Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in local areas to support the local economy and environment.' There are two broad categories of people eligible for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme - older people and eligible disabled people. Both men and women are eligible for concessionary travel in England when they reach state pension age, 60 in Scotland. Eligibility for concessionary travel may vary depending on local authorities and the specific terms of the concessionary travel scheme in place. National Entitlement Card in Scotland In Scotland, people over 60 are eligible to apply for the National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is administered by the Scottish Government. It is Scotland's National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country. The card gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across Scotland and, through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares. The NEC is valid for up to three years, but in a change to the renewal process, SPT no longer sends out renewal forms to disabled card holders. This means everyone with a card - sometimes referred to as a 'Saltire card' - should check the expiry date to make sure they will be able to enjoy uninterrupted entitlement to travel concessions. SPT recommends applying for a renewal card at least five weeks before the expiry date. It's also important to be aware guidance on the SPT website states the Concessionary Travel Card Unit at Buchanan Bus Station will be closed for in person applications until further notice.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Growing number of MPs changing their mind on assisted dying
Opposition to a bill which would legalise assisted dying in England and Wales is growing among MPs, the BBC has found. The Assisted Dying Bill was supported by 330 MPs last year, passing its first major vote in the House of Commons with a majority of 55 MPs from a wide range of political parties. But at least a dozen MPs who backed it or abstained in November have now said they are likely to vote against it. The bill would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to receive medical assistance to die Supporters remain confident it will eventually become law but it faces further parliamentary tests. How assisted dying laws across the UK could change GPs split over assisted dying plans, BBC research suggests MPs back proposals to legalise assisted dying Assisted dying bill: How did my MP vote? The bill is a private members' bill, sponsored by backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. MPs have been given a free vote on it, meaning they can decide based on their conscience rather than having to follow a party line. They have spent the past few months examining it in detail, with more than 500 amendments tabled. Some of these changes will be voted on by MPs next Friday - and a final Commons vote will take place in the summer, before it heads to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. Markus Campbell-Savours, the Labour MP for Penrith and Solway, is one of those who has said he's now likely to vote against the bill after previously supporting it. He said he still considers himself "a supporter of assisted dying" but believes the current bill crosses "red lines for protecting the vulnerable". "I want to see safeguards that will ensure that assisted dying is not overextended to include those in situations where there are alternative ways to improve the quality of their lives," said Campbell-Savours. "I would also be very concerned if legislation produced a situation where people who considered themselves a burden on their families and friends felt pressured to end their life." Fellow Labour MP Josh Fenton-Glynn also plans to vote no, having previously abstained. "If you'd asked me at any point in my life what I thought of assisted dying, I'd have always said in favour," he told the BBC. He has suggested a number of amendments to the bill, and claims he is "still open to supporting" the plans, but doubts it will change after Leadbeater blocked previous similar attempts. "We see quite a few of the amendments which are specifically aimed at stopping coercion being opposed by the supporters of the bill," he said, adding: "I don't think chances to make the bill safer have been taken." The two MPs have added their names to a growing list of their colleagues who have suggested they will switch sides including: Tory former minister George Freeman, Tory MPs Mike Wood and Andrew Snowden, Lib Dem Brian Matthew, Labour's Jonathan Hinder, Reform UK chief whip Lee Anderson and ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe. Labour MP Debbie Abrahams and Tory MP Charlie Dewhirst, who abstained previously, will vote against. Labour's Karl Turner, who voted in favour at second reading, is now abstaining. Tory MP David Davis has not announced how he plans to cast his next vote, but has publicly backed a number of amendments that would make sweeping changes to the bill. Some MPs have also changed their stance, by supporting the bill. Minister Chris Bryant is understood to be backing it, having abstained in November. Labour MP Jack Abbott, who voted against last November, is also now likely to vote in favour. Others who were hesitantly supportive are now more firmly in favour. Liz Saville Roberts, the leader of Plaid Cymru at Westminster, said she was initially concerned but supported the principle of assisted dying. "I think the safeguards have got stronger," she said. "They have been improved through the bill committee and through the evidence that we heard." One of the changes made as the bill was scrutinised was allowing Senedd members a vote on whether it will apply in Wales. Despite opposition, supporters expect the bill to clear the Commons and go on to the House of Lords. Campaigners backing the bill do not expect many MPs to reverse their views - but with such tight margins, efforts to shore up support are in full swing. One major threat, for supporters of the bill, is MPs deciding to return home to their constituencies instead of voting. Due to a quirk of the parliamentary system, private members' bills are normally debated on Fridays - a day when MPs are normally in their constituencies. There is also growing concern that the government cannot afford to keep giving it parliamentary time. One Labour source told the BBC: "Given the huge amount of difficult issues the government face, from winter fuel payments and Personal Independence Payment to defence and special educational needs and disabilities spending, a tight vote on assisted dying becomes a real problem. "Lots of MPs think No 10 would be unwise to expend political capital continuing with this very divisive issue rather than choosing to fix the stuff we got elected to sort." Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to keep up with the inner workings of Westminster and beyond.
Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Free bus pass in England latest as Government issues update
A petition on the parliament website has been growing in support with 63,000 people calling for a change. But the Department for Transport has now responded with a warning The Department for Transport has issued a fresh update on the mounting pressure to provide travellers on buses in England with the same concessions as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A parliamentary petition has garnered significant support, with over 63,000 people advocating for a change in policy. Presently, people over 60 years old in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are entitled to free bus travel. However, in England, it is up to local authorities, which often face financial constraints, to provide funding for such initiatives. As a result, free bus travel for the over-60s is only available in a handful of areas, including Merseyside and London. The petition, which has amassed 63,285 signatures, states: "We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60. "Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. "As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland." In a recent Parliamentary inquiry, Labour's Markus Campbell-Savours quizzed Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander about the effects of granting free bus passes to those 60 and over on various aspects including social inclusion, the economy, and the environment, reports Lancs Live. Answering the query, Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Lightwood from the Department for Transport warned that such a move might come with a hefty price tag, yet indicated there's a glimmer of hope as local authorities have received funds in the most recent financial agreement which could be channelled towards this purpose. He explained: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. "The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability. "No assessment has been made of the potential impact of lowering the age on social inclusion, the economy or the environment. "Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources. "The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. "Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in local areas to support the local economy and environment." To view the petition and a full response from the Department for Transport click here.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cumbrian MP raises concerns after proposals to ban small boats from smaller lakes
A CUMBRIAN MP has raised concerns around new bylaws proposed by the national park authority around the banning of small boats on smaller lakes in the Lake District. Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, has said he is concerned that a new byelaw being proposed by the Lake District National Park Authority could see fishermen who use small powerboats banned from some of the smaller lakes. Markus Campbell-Savours said: 'I think this proposed byelaw is a mistake with the potential to unfairly hit fishermen, many of whom have been responsibly fishing the lakes and rivers of Cumbria for generations. 'I want members of the LDNPA to meet me at Bassenthwaite so they can see that any fears about noise, safety, or the environment, in relation to small Lakeland fishing boats with electric motors are misguided. This proposed byelaw will unfairly impact people who the national park should value as an important partner. 'It was in fact the late Bob Smeaton and other fishermen who alerted Dale Campbell-Savours MP to the perilous state of Bassenthwaite in the 1990s, which ultimately secured the upgrade of the sewage treatment works at the east end of the lake. 'I say to the national park authority - far from being a problem, fishermen are our eyes and ears – or as one Keswick fisherman put it to me – 'we are your canaries in the coalmine.'' Concerns have previously been raised around the new by laws by anglers who believe the proposed by laws are 'discriminatory'. The Lake District National Park Authority have previously said that the 'informal consultation' is the first step in 'a lengthy process' to amend the Small Lakes Byelaws.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cumbria firm awarded £4.5 million grant from government
A CUMBRIAN manufacturing company has been awarded a government grant of almost £4.5million to try and convert waste gas at the plant into energy. Futamura Chemical UK, based in Wigton, a leading global manufacturer of sustainable cellulose films and materials that employs 270 people in the town, has been awarded a grant of £4,486,851. The money is part of a £14million project that will see the Station Road plant convert waste gas to energy. The grant will help the company to reduce carbon emissions, improve efficiency and cut energy costs, support jobs in Cumbria and 'promote growth as part of the Government's wider economic plan'. Futamura, based in Wigton for over 90 years, manufactures flexible packaging films that are derived from wood-pulp, with the firm said to be 'excited' following the announcement of the grant. The company's managing director Adrian Cave said: "I don't think in my career, there has been a project that I have been more excited about. "At Futamura we are passionate about our NatureFlex and Cellophane products, and that includes ensuring we continually evolve and utilise greener manufacturing processes, to further reduce our environmental footprint. "Transformational projects such as this WSA installation invariably are expensive and have a medium to long term payback. "Companies like ours do require support financially and this IETF energy efficiency grant has resulted in this project coming to fruition. We are very grateful for this support." The cash is part of the government's Plan for Change to support low carbon projects in energy intensive industries through the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF). Markus Campbell-Savours, Member of Parliament for Penrith & Solway, welcomed the news. He said: 'I congratulate Futamura on securing this investment, one of the largest grants to be issued in this round of IETF funding. "This government is committed to helping industry reduce its energy consumption and this project will enhance the sustainability and future of this 90-year-old business. "This is a huge boost to Wigton and the hundreds of workers employed at the site."
