Transport unites us all

Our report is absolutely clear.  Labour’s transport Policy unites us all.  Unlike this Tory government we are united against rising fares, against the isolation of rural communities and against cuts to services and safety.

We know as a Labour Party just how important transport is to all our communities.  That is why we will continue to oppose the Tories’ plans to ban future municipal bus companies.  And that is why we reaffirm our commitment to bring our railway back into public ownership.

Transport is at the heart of connecting people in all our communities.   It is a major employer vital to our economic growth, for our public health and for our well-being.

Over the last few weeks we’ve seen amazing feats of sporting prowess at the Paralympic Games but we know how difficult it is for disabled people to get around.

The Tories with their constant agenda of deregulation and privatisation is divisive.

We want transport to be integrated, accessible, affordable and sustainable.  A sustainable transport network will serve all our people.

When it comes to public policy we want all of our transport networks to be included.  Buses as well as trains.  Seaports as well as airports.  Lorries as well as cars.   And right at the centre – where they belong – walking and cycling.

It may seem obvious that transport should be included in planning and housing developments but we have had to advocate for it and the Commission will continue to do so.

We are committed to transport hubs that work and that are joined up.  This won’t happen until the right decisions are taken at the right level by the right people being at the table.

Our policy commission has discussed how the lack of transport leads to loneliness and isolation.  And we have been alerted to the need for community transport and for disability access to include passengers with learning disabilities.

We have to look forward and consider how we can be innovative and imaginative using new technologies.

While there are problems on the environment and on jobs as a commission we are determined to take the opportunities where they exist.

Transport really can make a difference for the better and our Commission will make sure that Labour’s Transport policy does just that.

• Unite assistant general secretary Diana Holland is speaking as the co-chair of Labour’s transport policy commission. View her speech in the video below: