The impact of the looming climate disaster will potentially dwarf that of the current pandemic unless urgent steps are taken to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. While we may point the finger at countries like China and the USA, it doesn't absolve the UK from taking actions within its control. The current growth in air … Continue reading CO2 traffic light labelling for domestic travel emissions
I am proud to have written the motion on a fairer voting system that was recently adopted by ASLEF at their Annual Assembly of Delegates. However, in a democratic union like ASLEF, success is only achieved with the support of branch delegates from across the railway network. I am particularly grateful to my colleague who … Continue reading The push for PR gathers momentum
Yesterday the Bedfordshire Rail Access Network team met with Network Rail, GTR, Richard Fuller MP, CBC and Town Councillors to discuss the latest progress re the Biggleswade Transport Hub. Today we carried out a site visit at the station with the the Officers from Central Bedfordshire Council. Although we have formally objected to the current … Continue reading Biggleswade Transport Hub – 11th May Update
It is polling day today and an excellent chance to have a Labour voice representing Bedfordshire. I have got to know David over the last few months and, apart from being a good listener, a rare quality in a politician, he will bring the knowledge of 30 years of front line Police experience to the … Continue reading Why I am voting David Michael for Bedfordshire PCC
Of all our great British institutions the British pub is arguably held in the fondest regard. However, there is no doubt that they are in serious decline, particularly in rural areas where their value to the community is greatest. There were 63,500 pubs in the UK in 1990. By 2018 this number had fallen to … Continue reading Is it last orders for the great British pub?
The government's Levelling Up Fund prospectus published in March 2021 sets out how the Department for Transport (DfT), the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Treasury will invest £4.8 billion in 'high value infrastructure'. The foreword by Rishi Sunak states how this funding will remove the silos between departments allowing local authorities … Continue reading Roads 1 Step-Free Access 0?
Since 'Access for All' funding for accessibility improvements to the UK rail network was introduced in 2006, around 200 stations have been made step-free. However, much of the UK rail network remains a no-go area for disabled people. Leagrave station in Luton, Bedfordshire is one of the busiest stations in the UK that is still … Continue reading It’s time for a step-free Leagrave!
Below is Bedfordshire Rail Access Network's written response following a meeting with Central Bedfordshire Council regarding the current plans for the bus station, which will form part of the Biggleswade transport interchange. You can find the full details of the plans here: Case Documents - Central Bedfordshire Council The documents take a little time to … Continue reading Disability campaigners respond to Biggleswade transport hub plans
The last year has been a significant challenge to all of us as the pandemic has affected virtually every aspect of our lives. It has brought out both the best and worst in people, as we have seen communities working together to ensure no-one is left behind, at the same time as cronyism and a … Continue reading Stepping aside but gearing up
Like much of government policy these days, most of the budget was leaked out to the press well before the Chancellor stood up in the House of Commons to deliver his hour long speech setting out his tax and spending plans for the next few years. Sunak has a slick operation, ably assisted by a … Continue reading Rishi dishes out cold cuts in budget
Julian Vaughan 