Elsie Blundell MP to chair Parliamentary Group for women in the transport sector

Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Women in Transport. Elsie Blundell is pictured third from the right

Heywood and Middleton North MP Elsie Blundell has been elected as the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Women in Transport.

Cross-party support for the All-Party Parliamentary Group to improve the representation of women in the transport workforce was confirmed at the inaugural meeting of this parliament, held in  Westminster Hall on 12 February.

Elsie Blundell MP said: “I am delighted today to have chaired the inaugural meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Women in Transport.

“As someone who has worked in transport policy prior to being elected as the Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton North, I recognise the immense contribution that women across the country have made, and crucially, can make, across the transport sector - a sector so integral to growing our economy, tearing down barriers to opportunity and improving the lives of constituents like mine.

“From ensuring women are better represented in the sector, providing key assurances related to passenger safety, to seizing the opportunities of greater transport devolution to regions and nations, I am eager to get to work with colleagues - on a cross-party basis - to bring focus to these issues and bring about solutions as to how we address them.

“I look forward to our next meeting where we will finalise our programme of work and determine how we can most effectively take action.

“I would like to thank all those who have joined up as members and for the contribution that they will make in the year ahead.”

In the meeting, the chair, vice-chair and officers were elected and agreed a programme of work to run throughout the year to support women working in transport.

Upcoming events include a roundtable on women’s safety (sponsored by West Coast Partnership) and the opportunities for women transport professionals presented by devolution, but a fuller programme will be decided by the new membership.

Jo Field, president of Women in Transport and secretariat to the APPG for Women in Transport, said: “I very much welcome the cross-party support of Parliamentarians tackling the underrepresentation of women in the transport sector workforce.”

“By shining a light on key issues and working with employers and industry leaders, we can promote the transport sector’s opportunities and inspire the next generation of talent.”