Hydrogen transport innovation: Wrightbus showcase welcomed at Westminster by North Antrim MP

In the driving seat: Jim Allister MP

TUV MP Jim Allister has welcomed Ballymena-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus to Westminster for a special showcase of their industry-leading hydrogen bus, calling for stronger government support for British zero-emission transport solutions.

The North Antrim MP highlighted the importance of prioritising UK manufacturing in the transition to greener public transport during Wrightbus’s display at Parliament.

“I was delighted as North Antrim MP to welcome Wrightbus for their display at Parliament of their market-leading hydrogen bus,” said Mr Allister, underscoring the firm’s role in driving sustainable innovation within the UK transport sector.

Wrightbus, which has seen a revival and growth since its restructuring in recent years, has emerged as a leader in hydrogen-powered bus technology. Their hydrogen double-decker buses are already being deployed in major UK cities including London, Birmingham, and Aberdeen.

Mr Allister also pointed to the potential for expanding the UK’s green transport capabilities through retrofitting, suggesting a practical approach to decarbonising local authority fleets.

“Going forward it is critical that the government prioritises UK manufacturing in the roll out of zero emission buses, but, more than that, government should encourage schemes to support local authorities decarbonise their fleets through conversions of diesel buses – something Wrightbus can already do,” he said.

Wrightbus currently manufactures its zero-emission vehicles at its Galgorm site in Northern Ireland, with growing demand both domestically and internationally. Allister expressed hope for further innovation from the company.

“The growth we have seen at Wrightbus is fantastic, but there are yet further opportunities. I hope going forward we will see expansion into building hydrogen coaches at the Galgorm site,” he said.

The MP also emphasised the broader economic benefits of Wrightbus’s success story for his North Antrim constituency, particularly the creation of new employment opportunities across the supply chain.

“It is great to have such a success story in North Antrim, not least because of the additional jobs it creates in the supply chain,” Mr Allister added.

The call for enhanced government support aligns with broader discussions in Westminster about strengthening domestic green industries and achieving the UK’s 2050 net zero targets.

As one of the few UK-based bus manufacturers with hydrogen technology in active deployment, Wrightbus is seen by many as a crucial player in the UK’s clean transport future.