Government urged to launch public inquiry into P&O scandal April 1, 2022 The government has been urged to launch a public inquiry into the P&O scandal, during which almost 800 workers were made redundant. The Liberal Democrats have written to the cabinet secretary Simon Case calling for immediate action so “families can get the answers they deserve”, after hundreds of people lost their jobs and were plunged [...]
Grant Shapps says new measures will make P&O “fundamentally rethink” layoffs March 30, 2022 Grant Shapps unveiled today a new set of measures which are expected to make P&O Ferries “fundamentally rethink” the sacking of almost 800 seafarers. “P&O Ferries’ failure to see reason, to recognise the public anger, and to do the right thing by their staff has left the government with no choice,” he told the House [...]
Grant Shapps blocks Sadiq Khan’s Cockfosters development proposal March 11, 2022 Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced today he has blocked a development project brought forward by London mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL). Writing to Chipping Barnet’s MP Theresa Villiers Shapps said he refused the application made by TfL to build tower blocks over Cockfosters’ station car park. “It was shocking when Labour councillors [...]
Grant Shapps promises angry commuters ‘big improvements’ in railway timetables February 4, 2022 Transport secretary Grant Shapps has promised angry commuters that ‘big improvements’ in railway timetables are bound to take place within the next two weeks. Shapps said this morning he’s in talks with train operators to bring timetables back to quasi normal levels, as the number of people travelling has increased significantly following the removal of [...]
UK to focus on hydrogen-powered transport, Shapps announces November 23, 2021 Transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced the UK will focus on the development of hydrogen-powered transport to achieve its net zero targets. Speaking at the Expo 2020 Dubai, the secretary talked about a partnership with the UAE to develop a technology innovation centre to reduce the environmental impact of aviation and shipping, the Independent reported. [...]
Grant Shapps alleged to be lobbying against government housing plans November 14, 2021 Transport secretary Grant Shapps has allegedly spent public money on lobbying to oppose the government’s plans to build on private runways, the Sunday Times reported. An aviation aficionado, Grant’s reported fight against development plans has led housing agency Home England to withdraw plans for thousands of homes to be built, including a project to build [...]
Shapps echoes Sunak saying Christmas gifts will be available October 16, 2021 Transport secretary Grant Shapps has echoed Chancellor Rishi Sunak and said that Christmas gifts will be available despite the backlogs witnessed at UK ports. “People will be able to get things for Christmas,” he told Sky News. “When I talk to the ports they said it is a busy picture, but if you compared us [...]
Rules for overseas HGV drivers eased to relieve supply chain crisis October 14, 2021 The government has announced plans to allow transport drivers from other countries to make deliveries in the UK before returning home, easing supply chain pressure. The Transport Department will make temporary changes to rules on cabotage – the transport of goods between two places in the UK by a driver from another country – to [...]
Rail Passenger Service Contracts to be introduced from November October 13, 2021 The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that from 4 November Passenger Service Contracts (PSCs) will be introduced for all rail operators. As part of the Williams-Shapps plan for rail, the PSCs will replace the old franchising system where each operator would set timetables, fares and collected revenues on its part of the network. According [...]
Sunak causes rift with Cabinet over EV discount end October 13, 2021 Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly in a row with other Cabinet members – including transport secretary Grant Shapps and business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng – over his proposed plans to cut grants for buying electric vehicles (EV). As reported by the Telegraph, the Treasury is expected to slash the grants – which amount to £2,500 for [...]