Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has slammed the government for 'ignoring' the concerns of disabled people.
The MP expressed his ‘deep disappointment’ after the Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood MP, refused to meet with him and Jackie Snape, CEO of Disability Action Yorkshire.
Tom wanted to discuss critical issues affecting disabled people’s access to public transport.
He first raised the issue with the Minister on 13th February following a meeting he chaired with Disability Action Yorkshire.
Concerns were raised about restrictions that ban disabled people from using their bus passes before 9am, preventing them from traveling during peak hours on public transport.
When given the opportunity to address these concerns in Parliament, the Minister instead avoided the issue, choosing to reference increased funding without acknowledging the specific challenges faced by disabled people.
Frustrated by this response, Tom wrote a letter to the Minister requesting a meeting with himself and Jackie Snape, to explore this issue further and to ultimately find a solution.
In response, the Minister’s office stated that he did not have time to meet.
He said:
“By declining to meet with me and Jackie Snape, CEO of Disability Action Yorkshire, the Minister has sent a clear message that improving transport access for disabled people is not a priority.
“I find it deeply concerning that he does not take their needs seriously.
“This also raises serious questions about the Minister’s commitment to his own disabled constituents.
“By stating he does not have the time to discuss this issue, he implies that his disabled constituents are not represented in the same way as others.”
Tom added:
“I have given the Minister ample opportunities to engage on this issue and find a solution and yet, he has repeatedly refused.
“This is extremely disappointing. I urge him to reconsider and meet with Jackie and me to end this restrictive policy. Enough is enough.”
Tom has followed up with another letter expressing his disappointment over the “clear lack of concern" and has again requested a meeting.
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