Simon Lightwood MP's Avatar

Simon Lightwood MP

@simonlightwood.org.uk

Labour & Co-operative MP for Wakefield and Rothwell. πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ For constituency casework please email simon.lightwood.mp@parliament.uk

7,319 Followers  |  264 Following  |  26 Posts  |  Joined: 07.09.2023  |  1.7183

Latest posts by simonlightwood.org.uk on Bluesky

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Great to visit Star Coaches in Batley ahead of RHA's #NationalCoachWeek.

Coaches support 42,000 jobs & transport 600,000 students daily, so we’re engaging industry to understand how we can back its growth to boost our economy and open up opportunity!

06.05.2025 11:35 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Simon out campaigning with local Labour Party members in Doncaster

Simon out campaigning with local Labour Party members in Doncaster

Wonderful to be out campaigning in the glorious sunshine in #Doncaster for our Labour council candidates and the fabulous Ros Jones - who is the only candidate for mayor with the plan & experience to #Deliver4Doncaster! #VoteLabour πŸŒΉπŸ”†

01.05.2025 18:51 β€” πŸ‘ 19    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Honoured to unveil a plaque for Jill Viner, London's trailblazing first female bus driver.

Women make up 50% of bus passengers but just 12% of drivers - so we're supporting Women in Bus and Coach to encourage better representation and make buses even more inclusive 🚍

29.04.2025 21:19 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Simon signing the volunteer wall

Simon signing the volunteer wall

Great to be out on the doorstep in sunny Runcorn and Helsby today, campaigning for our fantastic Labour candidate Karen Shore. #VoteLabour 🌹

25.04.2025 14:16 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Every local authority in England must now report the number of potholes they fix to unlock their share of Β£500m extra funding.

This will allow councils to fill the equivalent of 7 million potholes annually, as part of the Government's Plan for Change. πŸš§πŸ’·

24.03.2025 09:41 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 2
Simon sitting on a replica of the House of Commons green benches

Simon sitting on a replica of the House of Commons green benches

It was great to chat recently to Tim Deakin, Editor of @routeone.bsky.social about all things bus and coach.

18.03.2025 23:44 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Kicked off our first UK bus manufacturing expert panel today, uniting bus makers, Metro Mayors, & industry leaders to make our bus industry cleaner and greener

By supporting manufacturing, we're boosting fleets, regional economies and living standards for a zero-emission future

14.03.2025 08:49 β€” πŸ‘ 17    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 2
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πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ We joined Local Transport Minister @simonlightwood.org.uk in Sheffield today to launch the first UK Bus Manufacturing Panel. Prioritising the manufacture of zero-emission buses across the UK will support skilled jobs and apprenticeships and deliver economic benefits for local communities.

13.03.2025 17:43 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
UTG Policy Advisor Monta Drozdova and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, with two buses in the background, in Sheffield.

UTG Policy Advisor Monta Drozdova and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, with two buses in the background, in Sheffield.

We're pleased to join Government's new UK Bus Manufacturing Panel, which launched today in Sheffield, to boost green buses and create jobs.

Our Policy Advisor Monta Drozdova joined Local Transport Minister @simonlightwood.org.uk for the launch.

Full story πŸ‘‡

urbantransportgroup.org/resources/ty...

13.03.2025 16:15 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

"A truly integrated way to make transport work for people.”

@simonlightwood.org.uk and @chrisboardman.bsky.social visited Stockport Interchange, a new transport hub bringing together bus, rail, walking and cycling routes: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fdE... πŸšŒπŸš„πŸ‘ŸπŸš²

12.03.2025 10:43 β€” πŸ‘ 26    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 6
Jess Phillips reads names of UK women killed by men last year, including the Hunt family | ITV News
YouTube video by ITV News Jess Phillips reads names of UK women killed by men last year, including the Hunt family | ITV News

youtube.com/watch?v=-owK...

Sadly, another year when @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social reads the list of women killed by men. Tragic BUT Jess now taking real tangible actions to reduce this number. No one has more passion for this challenge.

06.03.2025 18:37 β€” πŸ‘ 349    πŸ” 91    πŸ’¬ 15    πŸ“Œ 5
Simon Lightwood MP (standing on the far right) with staff and pupils from St Austin's Primary School and Living Streets' mascot Strider. They are standing outside the school gates.

Simon Lightwood MP (standing on the far right) with staff and pupils from St Austin's Primary School and Living Streets' mascot Strider. They are standing outside the school gates.

🚸 A huge thanks to @simonlightwood.org.uk for joining us this morning at St Austin's Primary School in Wakefield.

Nearly half of journeys logged by pupils are walked or wheeled all the way to the school gates – an outstanding achievement! 🚢 πŸ‘©β€πŸ¦½

www.livingstreets.org.uk/press-media/...

28.02.2025 14:11 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Simon riding on a bike at the Stockport interchange

Simon riding on a bike at the Stockport interchange

Simon touring the Stockport interchange with local representatives

Simon touring the Stockport interchange with local representatives

Simon joined by Olympic champion and national integrated transport commissioner Chris Boardman and local officials at Stockport interchange

Simon joined by Olympic champion and national integrated transport commissioner Chris Boardman and local officials at Stockport interchange

Simon discussing the efforts undertaken at Stockport interchange to avoid antisocial behaviour

Simon discussing the efforts undertaken at Stockport interchange to avoid antisocial behaviour

Today is a brilliant day for cycling & walking πŸš²πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ

We’re investing almost Β£300m to build 300 miles of new cycle lanes & walkways all over πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§

Leading to 43k less sick days to ease pressure on our NHS & make lives better, healthier & happier as part of our #PlanforChange πŸ‘

12.02.2025 18:45 β€” πŸ‘ 28    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 3
Simon Lightwood on stage speaking at the INTS roadshow

Simon Lightwood on stage speaking at the INTS roadshow

Simon Lightwood on stage speaking at the INTS roadshow. Audience in foreground  of the photo

Simon Lightwood on stage speaking at the INTS roadshow. Audience in foreground of the photo

Today I launched a regional tour to shape our Integrated National Transport Strategy.
Β 
We’re learning from communities across the country to build a seamless, accessible transport system for all.
Β 
rb.gy/y3yxb9

12.02.2025 18:43 β€” πŸ‘ 17    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Transport minister visits Ipswich to see school scheme Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, has welcomed the transport minister to the Suffolk town.

It was great to visit Gusford to see the opportunities on offer through @bikeabilityuk.bsky.social - I'd encourage other schools to take up the scheme too!

Thank you to @simonlightwood.org.uk for coming to Ipswich to see how the Government is making a real difference to our town.

04.02.2025 10:57 β€” πŸ‘ 12    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Simon signing the book of commitment.

Simon signing the book of commitment.

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day.

It's also the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

I was proud to sign the Book of Commitment on behalf of my constituents.

I pledge to always remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust.

27.01.2025 12:20 β€” πŸ‘ 13    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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Locals to 'take back control' of buses with bill to be debated by peers Labour's long-promised buses bill will scrap Thatcher-era rules banning local councils from running their own bus services

Locals to 'take back control' of buses with bill to be debated by peers www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...

26.01.2025 22:05 β€” πŸ‘ 17    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
Simon speaking at the expo. Standing at a podium with a microphone

Simon speaking at the expo. Standing at a podium with a microphone

Simon sitting in the audience with other speakers.

Simon sitting in the audience with other speakers.

It was a pleasure to address the β€˜From Service to Success - How the Armed Forces community can strengthen your workforce’ - expo last week in Wakefield.

Our armed forces community and veterans have a huge contribution to make to our workforce πŸ‘

23.01.2025 17:27 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Local Transport Minister - Simon Lightwood MP speaking at the podium of CPT conference 2025.

Local Transport Minister - Simon Lightwood MP speaking at the podium of CPT conference 2025.

Brilliant to speak at the @CPT_UK conference today!

Buses and coaches are crucial to economic growth 🚌 πŸ“ˆ

That’s why we’re determined to work with industry to attract investment, support jobs and continue to roll out electric buses - helping deliver our plan for change

23.01.2025 17:20 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Thank you Minister @simonlightwood.org.uk for getting on the saddle with Bikeability in Suffolk.
Through the backing of vital programmes like Bikeability, we can be sure that the next generation has what it needs to make cycling part of their everyday life.

21.01.2025 16:43 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Congratulations @andyburnham.bsky.social and everyone at the Bee Network for leading the way! 🐝

This government is fast-tracking the journey to better buses.

Our Bus Services Bill will give local authorities more control over routes, timetables, connections and fares 🚍

05.01.2025 16:40 β€” πŸ‘ 53    πŸ” 8    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Tonight, the Government held a reception to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, putting this important issue firmly in the spotlight.

Too often, women feel unsafe including when travelling on our transport networks, and we're working hard to change this.

26.11.2024 20:15 β€” πŸ‘ 27    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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Today marks an important step forward as we extend powers for local authorities to bring buses back under public control.

I’ve just signed the legislation to expand the tools available to deliver better bus services in every community 🚌.

26.11.2024 15:38 β€” πŸ‘ 41    πŸ” 8    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Image of crumbling Great Britain with press clippings.

THIS IS THE BRITAIN THE TORIES LEFT BEHIND

Spending Watchdog Backs Up Labour's Claim Tories Left A Black Hole In Public Finances

Huffington Post, September 2024

NHS waiting list hits record high of almost 7.8m

The Independent, October 2023

Braverman tells Tories to
"take responsibility' for not building enough prisons

Independent, July 2024

Tories tried to hide extent of sewage spills before election

The Times, August 2024

Police abandoned an investigation every 13 seconds last year without finding a suspect

The Telegraph, June 2024

UK asylum backlog rose before election despite Sunak pledge to cut numbers 

The Guardian, August 2024

More than 40,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since Sunak promised to stop the boats

The Telegraph, June 2024

Image of crumbling Great Britain with press clippings. THIS IS THE BRITAIN THE TORIES LEFT BEHIND Spending Watchdog Backs Up Labour's Claim Tories Left A Black Hole In Public Finances Huffington Post, September 2024 NHS waiting list hits record high of almost 7.8m The Independent, October 2023 Braverman tells Tories to "take responsibility' for not building enough prisons Independent, July 2024 Tories tried to hide extent of sewage spills before election The Times, August 2024 Police abandoned an investigation every 13 seconds last year without finding a suspect The Telegraph, June 2024 UK asylum backlog rose before election despite Sunak pledge to cut numbers The Guardian, August 2024 More than 40,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since Sunak promised to stop the boats The Telegraph, June 2024

Never forget.
Never again.

22.11.2024 12:22 β€” πŸ‘ 31    πŸ” 14    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Fantastic news that The Rail Public Ownership Bill has now been passed by Parliament!

It's a landmark Bill and the first major step towards publicly owned Great British Railways, which will put passengers first and drive up standards. πŸš‚

21.11.2024 07:00 β€” πŸ‘ 37    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 2
The truth about Labour's Budget and farmers

The change announced in the Budget will not impact the majority of farmers.

Estates worth up to Β£3 million could still be passed on by a couple completely free of inheritance tax.

Where inheritance tax does apply, farmers will still pay 50% less inheritance tax than everyone else.

Heirs can spread the payment over 10 years interest-free instead of having to pay it all at once.

The policy is about protecting smaller family farms while ensuring the wealthiest landowners pay their fair share.

Our public services need fixing and the wealthiest should be the ones who bear the greatest burden so we can do that.

Farmers will benefit from Β£5 billion being invested into farming over the next two years - the largest amount ever directed towards sustainable food production in our country's history.

The truth about Labour's Budget and farmers The change announced in the Budget will not impact the majority of farmers. Estates worth up to Β£3 million could still be passed on by a couple completely free of inheritance tax. Where inheritance tax does apply, farmers will still pay 50% less inheritance tax than everyone else. Heirs can spread the payment over 10 years interest-free instead of having to pay it all at once. The policy is about protecting smaller family farms while ensuring the wealthiest landowners pay their fair share. Our public services need fixing and the wealthiest should be the ones who bear the greatest burden so we can do that. Farmers will benefit from Β£5 billion being invested into farming over the next two years - the largest amount ever directed towards sustainable food production in our country's history.

This is the truth about Labour's Budget and farmers.

19.11.2024 16:02 β€” πŸ‘ 152    πŸ” 72    πŸ’¬ 4    πŸ“Œ 7
A background image of a police officer wearing a high vis jacket.  Overlayed with the text LABOUR GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MAJOR POLICING REFORMS

A background image of a police officer wearing a high vis jacket. Overlayed with the text LABOUR GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MAJOR POLICING REFORMS

🚨 Major policing reforms announced 🚨

βœ… Neighbourhood policing at the heart

βœ… Government performance unit to drive force-level improvements and end the postcode lottery on law and order

βœ… New national policing body

βœ… Half a billion pounds of additional funding for policing next year

19.11.2024 13:02 β€” πŸ‘ 26    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 0
Interior image of a bus with the words: LABOUR GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES Β£1BILLION FUNDING BOOST FOR ENGLAND'S BUSES

Interior image of a bus with the words: LABOUR GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES Β£1BILLION FUNDING BOOST FOR ENGLAND'S BUSES

14 years of the Tories broke Britain's buses.

But this Labour Government is determined to fix them.

This new funding will keep fares down, protect local routes and deliver more reliable services.

18.11.2024 18:50 β€” πŸ‘ 42    πŸ” 13    πŸ’¬ 4    πŸ“Œ 1
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Β£1 billion government funding boost for bus services across England to help end postcode lottery Funding will keep fares down, protect local routes and deliver more reliable services.

Β£1 billion government funding boost for bus services across England to help end postcode lottery

www.gov.uk/government/n...

17.11.2024 08:01 β€” πŸ‘ 81    πŸ” 13    πŸ’¬ 8    πŸ“Œ 1
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'London-style' buses to be delivered nationwide with Β£1bn boost The Department for Transport (DfT) said funding would be allocated based on levels of deprivation and population.

'London-style' buses promised nationwide with Β£1bn boost

www.bbc.com/news/article...

17.11.2024 07:27 β€” πŸ‘ 51    πŸ” 11    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 3

@simonlightwood.org.uk is following 20 prominent accounts