Freddie van Mierlo

Freddie van Mierlo

Liberal Democrat — Henley and Thame

Speaking in the House of Commons on 3 November 2026

Debate

Community Transport Services: Minibus Drivers

Contribution

I thank my hon. Friend for her very sensible intervention. My own local authority in Oxfordshire also heavily supports community transport organisations. I am sure that her proposals were heard by the Minister. Over the next five years, more than 3 million D1 licences are likely to be lost as drivers reach 70—equivalent to one in five of all D1 licences. We are therefore facing a ticking time bomb as qualified drivers age out at the top and are not replenished enough from below. Without decisive action from the Government, there will be serious concerns for the future viability of community transport.

More from Freddie van Mierlo

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Freddie van Mierlo's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Freddie van Mierlo report card.