The Accessible Transport Policy Commission recently had the pleasure of hosting an autumn reception in Parliament, featuring a keynote speech from the Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh MP.  

In the year following its creation last autumn, the Accessible Transport Policy Commission has held several high-profile parliamentary events, released an Accessible Transport Charter for local and regional political leaders, and launched two inquiries.  

To mark the beginning of a new Parliament, the Commission invited new and returning parliamentarians to learn more about the work being done by the National Centre for Accessible Transport and its consortium partners to close the transport accessibility gap in the UK.  

The reception brought together parliamentarians from both houses with disabled people and transport professionals, as Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson hosted an evening of networking and speeches.  

Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh MP, was also in attendance, and delivered a keynote speech which outlined how the Department for Transport intends to improve transport accessibility – highlighting the importance of improving infrastructure, working with local authorities, and placing disabled people at the forefront of these efforts.  

Across an evening of insightful conversation and interesting introductions, participants discussed how authorities at both a local and national level can act to close the transport accessibility gap, embed accessibility across the transport network, and deliver a more inclusive and integrated society that ensures disabled people can live independent and fulfilling lives.  

Thanks to all who attended and our excellent speakers: 

• Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Chair of the Accessible Transport Policy Commission 
• Clive Gilbert, Head of Accessible Transport, Policy Connect 
• Louise Haigh MP, Secretary of State for Transport 

For more information about the Accessible Transport Policy Commission, please contact clive.gilbert [at] policyconnect.org.uk (clive[dot]gilbert[at]policyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk).