Lack of urgent reform to taxi licensing laws “farcical” and branded a “disgrace” by MP

A lack of urgent reform to taxi and private hire licensing laws is “farcical” and was branded a “disgrace” by a Labour MP. The comments came as the much anticipated Queen’s Speech provided no mention of any reform for the industry, despite heavy hints of its inclusion in the weeks leading up to today.

Ilford North MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), Wes Streeting, led an adjournment debate at the start of month, speaking about the reform needed in the Taxi and Private Hire industry. Hope was given to the industry as George Freeman MP, the Future of Transport Minister, responded on behalf of Taxis Minister Baroness Vere, praising both the trade and the APPG for their work on this issue. Freeman MP also acknowledged the consensus from the Task and Finish Group and twice hinted strongly that the legislation would be included in today’s Queen’s Speech. Wes Streeting said via Twitter: “No sign of a Taxis and PHV Bill in the Queens Speech. This is farcical now. The case for reform was made to Government. They commissioned their own review. Their review again made case reform reform. Government accepted the case. But no sign of any action. “The Government’s own review of Taxis and PHV legislation made it clear that passenger safety is at risk while Government fails to act. Drivers livelihoods are also suffering. Will continue to press for a Bill, but its absence from the Queens Speech is a disgrace.” 

Image credit: Mark Tywman