I remember tentatively walking into my first ever local Labour Party meeting in October 2016. Little did I know then that in three years I'd have been a candidate in not one, but two General Elections, that certainly wasn't the plan! The result was shockingly bad for the Labour Party and a new leader will … Continue reading It’s time for us to step up, not down
I believe we should judge our society by how we treat the most vulnerable within it. I am founder of the Bedfordshire Rail Access Network which campaigns for step-free access for train stations across Bedfordshire. We were successful in campaign for funding for Biggleswade train station and we will push for this work to be … Continue reading Julian Vaughan – a strong voice for rail users
My name is Julian Vaughan and I am standing as your Labour candidate in North East Bedfordshire. A train driver on London Underground, I have lived in Langford since 2006 and am married with a teenage daughter. I am proud to be British, with our sense of fair play, our tolerance and our willingness to … Continue reading Julian Vaughan – a strong voice for you and your family in NE Bedfordshire
With time running out to deal with the looming climate emergency, it is vital that we create an integrated, accessible and affordable transport network to encourage and incentivise a shift away from reliance on the car. A 'fit for purpose' cycling network is just one example of the infrastructure required to enable this, but like … Continue reading Why has cycling lost its way in Bedfordshire?
Below is the response that I finally received from Cllr Jamieson, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council on 9th September regarding the bus cuts to the 85/85A and 188/190 bus services due to take place from 30th September. I'd like to say it was a personal letter, but the reality is that as other people have … Continue reading More buses not more cuts!
Central Bedfordshire Council to cut more bus services in Bedfordshire. Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton are set to lose even more buses. Central Bedfordshire which has already seen savage cuts to bus services over the last 10 years is set to lose even more services in changes due to come into place on 30th September following … Continue reading Empty words from Central Beds Council as more bus services face the axe
Memories or Dreams? Wide awake I stare out at the houses in the harbour as my parents sleep on the empty boat, not sensing my fear. I hold my mother black and blue, whisper in her ear. Bath-time bubbles fade into silence - no chatter to hear, I am alone. As I climb out into … Continue reading Memories or Dreams
Listening to Nusrat Ghani during the Westminster Hall debate earlier this week discussing the lack of step-free access at Flitwick station, I was struck by how the 'tick box' mentality still remains when dealing with accessibility issues. Ms Ghani MP, who is Under Secretary of State for Transport, pointed out that six out of the … Continue reading Disabled people let down by ‘tick box’ attitude to Accessibility
My brief notes below from the Westminster Hall Debate that took place earlier this week regarding the lack of step-free access at Flitwick station: ~ Westminster Hall debates are an opportunity for MP's to raise local or national issues outside of the main chamber and receive a response from a government minister who is present … Continue reading Flitwick Step-Free Access – Westminster Hall Debate
This summer has seen extreme temperatures across the globe, with the UK having the warmest June ever recorded (smashing the previous record by 0.9ºC) and extreme heat across the US, China and Europe, with the ongoing heatwave providing a nightmare vision of the future and wildfires resulting in the evacuation of thousands of UK holidaymaker … Continue reading What lies ahead – and how we can stop it
Julian Vaughan 