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Harrogate MP slams Government for voting to keep disabled bus pass restrictions

Thursday, 11 September 2025 07:21

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has slammed the Government after the voted down his amendment to change bus pass restrictions for disabled people.

The Liberal Democrat MP has been campaigning to remove the “unfair” 9:30am start time restriction on disabled bus passes under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

Tom delivered a strong case in Parliament, highlighting both the moral and economic reasons for scrapping the restriction.

Backed by over 75 MP’s across parties and major disability charities nationwide, support for the change was clear.

But the Government ignored this consensus.

Tom Gordon said:

“The Labour Government’s vote to reject my amendment on disabled bus passes speaks volumes.

"This was their moment to show they take equality and accessibility seriously - but instead, they turned their backs on disabled people once again.

“It’s no surprise given their record of cutting vital support and promoting harmful rhetoric that stigmatises disabled communities. But it remains deeply disappointing."

Despite this setback, Tom said he remains ‘determined’ to continue campaigning to overturn the rule and “secure fair, accessible transport for disabled people.”

He added:

“Rejecting this amendment dismisses months of campaigning and the clear demand for change.

“This setback won’t stop me from fighting for disabled people’s right to travel freely, with the independence and fairness they deserve.”

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