House of Commons
Parliament

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling says he wants to see "smart ticketing" to ensure smart cards can be used nationally on buses and help reduce the need for change on buses. 

He says that the bill will require operators to share route fare and schedule data with app developers, which will offer greater freedom to passengers. 

The ability for combined local authorities to franchise local services would add accountability as well as allow for local knowledge and understanding of what is needed.  

Labour leader says changes are "shameful" - but PM insists no existing claimants will lose out.

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Parliament

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Transport Secretary Chris Grayling begins the second reading of the Bus Services Bill.

He notes the importance of buses in the UK, representing 60% of all public transport journeys. 

He also mentions the changing nature of buses, in terms of routes, pay methods and facilities on-board. 

The bill aims to offer new franchising abilities at the local level, to strengthen arrangements for partnership working in the sector and to provide steps to improve information available to customers. 

Mr Grayling says that the "bill is not about forcing" councils to change, but rather offering better services. 

This bill refers to England only.

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Conservative Nicky Morgan introduces her Companies Documentation (Transgender Persons) Bill - a ten minute rule bill. 

She hopes to reduce risks that something might "inadvertently reveal someone's transition", as the bill would close a legal loophole, which allows for companies to disclose the former names of directors who might have undergone transition.

The loophole, it is argued, is akin to ‘outing’ transgender people. 

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Parliament

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Immediately after PMQs, with the chamber still packed and the prime minister watching, it's time for newest MP Trudy Harrison to take her seat.

Ms Harrison won the Copeland by-election for the Conservatives last Thursday, taking a seat that had previously been held by Labour for 80 years.

Home Secretary writes to peers on eve of key vote to assure them they will have a say on future migration changes.

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Image source, Ford

Labour's Madeline Moon asks what will be done to support Ford in the Bridgend Ford plant, where it has been announced 1,100 jobs are at risk. 

Theresa May responds that they "have had dialogue" with Ford and will continue to do so about ways in which the company can continue its "successful" history in the UK.

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Parliament

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Nigel Dodds, DUP Westminster leader, pays tribute to the late Sir Gerald Kaufman before moving on to his question.

To general hilarity, he says that former prime ministers have made "very helpful" comments on Brexit in recent days, raising the prospect of "hard Brexit, soft Brexit or possibly a soft coup".

Mr Dodds asks the PM to confirm that "her plan to trigger Article 50 by the end of March is still well on track", no matter what interventions may come from former prime ministers or the House of Lords.

"It is indeed my plan to trigger Article 50" by the end of March, confirms Mrs May, "this will not mean I am triggering a soft coup".

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Conservative Peter Bone praises one of former prime minister David Cameron's "greatest legacies" in fighting human trafficking. 

He says that the government was able to support 800,000 children in Syria and its neighbouring countries for the same cost as caring for 3,000 in Europe, a fact which has saved many from trafficking by discouraging journeys to Europe. 

The prime minister says the government "will continue its policy in this area" and says they have brought together a human trafficking task-force which will help stop the "criminal gangs" and care for victims.  

House of Commons
Parliament

Labour MP Sir Kevin Barron raises the issue of community pharmacies. He says he has seen a reduction of £9,000 in funding. Will the government revisit community pharmacy funding, he asks.

Theresa May says spending on community pharmacies has risen in recent years; and funding does need to be reformed.

House of Commons
Parliament

Conservative Andrew Selous says first-time buyers are being "ripped off" by the practice of developers offering new homes on a leasehold basis, rather than as freehold.

The prime minister says she "doesn't see why" developers cannot sell new homes as freeholds, and says government policy is supporting increased house building.