Heywood and Middleton MP Chris Clarkson leads call for free transport for NHS workers during national emergency

Chris Clarkson, the MP for Heywood and Middleton, has today (Friday 3 April) written to Andy Burnham, the Metro Mayor of Greater Manchester, urging him to facilitate an agreement with transport operators to provide free travel for NHS frontline staff.

In an open letter to the Mayor, which has been signed by eight other MPs in Greater Manchester, Mr Clarkson has urged Mr Burnham “to work constructively with our transport providers in Greater Manchester to support our NHS staff at this difficult time.”

He also asks Mr Burnham to provide free travel to the children of key workers travelling to school.

Both schemes have already been implemented in the West Midlands by their Metro Mayor, Andy Street.

The Heywood and Middleton MP said: “This small gesture would go a long way to recognise the amazing contribution and sacrifices made by those people on the frontline in our national response to coronavirus.”

The letter reads as follows:

Dear Andy,

As I am sure you will appreciate we are living in unprecedented times. Now more than ever we are reliant upon the dedication of the incredible people who work in our NHS. I note with interest the actions taken by West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, in facilitating an agreement with transport operators to provide free travel for NHS frontline staff.

My colleagues and I are calling on you to replicate this excellent initiative in Greater Manchester.

I understand that this agreement has been reached in conjunction with transport operators and the West Midlands Combined Authority and I would urge you to work constructively with our transport providers in Greater Manchester to support our NHS staff at this difficult time.

I also note the children of key workers travelling to school will be able to make use of this free travel on the production of the supporting letters which allow them to attend school. I would also urge you to consider introducing this measure too.

This small gesture would go a long way to recognise the amazing contribution and sacrifices made by those people on the frontline in our national response to coronavirus.

Please could I ask you to give this urgent attention as with the new temporary hospital at Manchester Central there will be an even greater demand on our key workers in the regional sector.

Yours sincerely, Chris

 

Chris Clarkson MP Member of Parliament for Heywood & Middleton

Sir Graham Brady Member of Parliament for Altrincham & Sale West

James Daly Member of Parliament for Bury North

Chris Green Member of Parliament for Bolton West

James Grundy Member of Parliament for Leigh

Mark Logan Member of Parliament for Bolton North East

Mary Robinson Member of Parliament for Cheadle

Christian Wakeford Member of Parliament for Bury South

William Wragg Member of Parliament for Hazel Grove