Fylde MP Andrew Snowden says Prime Minister Keir Starmer 'laughing at us' over £4.5bn defence spending
“Labour can find exactly the same amount of cash the Defence Secretary resigned over, but for cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings”
Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has slammed the timing of the Government announcement that £4.5bn is being made available for more cycle lanes and zebra crossings - the day after Defence Secretary John Healey quit over the same amount not being available for defence.
“The Prime Minister has reached the point where he’s just laughing at us all now,” said Mr Snowden in a social media post.
“At a time when global threats are growing faster than in decades and ministers are resigning over defence spending, Labour can find exactly the same amount of cash the Defence Secretary resigned over, but for cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings. You really couldn't make it up.”
The Government’s new cycling and walking investment strategy features plans for 5,000 new walking, wheeling and cycling routes and 10,000 safer crossings, connecting homes with schools, high streets and local services, by 2030.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “This is about creating healthier communities, helping households keep more money in their pockets and building a transport network that works better for everyone.”
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman added: “Every journey made on foot, wheeling or cycling, delivers value - to the person making it, to the community around them and to the economy.
“It keeps money in our pockets, makes us healthier and happier and boosts our local economy.
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“Yet too many of our streets do not yet make those journeys feel safe, easy or inviting. Our Worth Every Step delivery plan will change that.
“It’s time to make the cheapest and healthiest way to travel, the easiest way to travel. When streets work for people, everything else follows.”
The strategy marks a new cross-government approach to active travel, bringing together transport, health and investment while giving local leaders a greater role in shaping delivery to meet the needs of their communities.
In his letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Healey said the UK's defence investment plan "falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time".
In reply, Sir Keir said the plan was backed with "the necessary investment" and lamented Mr Healey's departure.