Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [HL]

Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge Excerpts

Consideration of Commons amendments and / or reasons
Monday 13th October 2025 Lords Chamber

In conclusion, I can assure the House that all the issues can be addressed in an amendment which would achieve the objective of reducing the growing incidence of assault and violence against both women and girls—as highlighted by the Minister; I really appreciate his comments on that—and the disabled and vulnerable in particular. It would reflect the enormous problem that exists on the buses, as highlighted in the Unite survey. We must put an end to the growing trend of violence against and abuse of passengers and reinstate Clause 40.

[Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge (Con)]

My Lords, I rise briefly to firmly support my noble friend’s Motion 31A. I will not repeat the arguments made so forcefully by noble friends Lord Moynihan and Lady Morgan of Cotes on Report, but I would like to draw the House’s attention to the findings of the 2025 Girlguiding Girls’ Attitudes Survey, released since Report. It found that 56% of girls and young women surveyed between the ages of 11 and 21 felt unsafe taking public transport by themselves, and 31% avoided it altogether. It is totally unacceptable that women and girls do not feel safe on our public transport network, and it is vital that operators monitor assaults on buses. We need action, we need it urgently, and I will support my noble friend should he choose to divide the House tonight.

[Baroness Pidgeon (LD)]

My Lords, the amendment in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Hampton, on Vision Zero, rightly put safety on buses at the heart of this Bill. Who can argue with the aim of zero fatalities on our roads and a culture in the bus industry of safety throughout? The Government’s clear response in taking this forward, including best practice internationally and the new road safety strategy—I think the Minister said it is the first since 2011—really does show action is taking place in this safety space. It is a great assurance to our Benches.

On collecting data on violence on the bus network, we are in absolutely no doubt about the Government’s commitment to this, especially given the awaited VAWG strategy. Given the clear acknowledgement that this data is already collected by the police across the country, and that this new strategy is due, we are satisfied that this concern is being properly addressed, so the amendment is not needed. What is needed is more resources for our police, but that is a debate for another day.

As this Bill seeks to improve bus services across the country, safety in every aspect will be key. We are pleased to hear the way forward to address safety outlined by the Minister.