Wrightbus poised to lead UK’s bus decarbonisation revolution, says MP, Jim Allister

Jim Allister, TUV Party Leader and North Antrim MP

In a compelling address to the House of Commons on Monday, 2 June 2025, Jim Allister, TUV Party Leader and North Antrim MP, championed the role of Northern Ireland’s Wrightbus in the UK Government’s ambitious plan to decarbonise bus travel.

Speaking during a debate on a new transport bill, Allister underscored the potential for British manufacturing to drive the nation’s transition to greener public transport, urging the Government to prioritise UK-built buses and innovative refurbishment solutions.

The bill, which focuses on decarbonising bus travel across England, may not directly apply to Northern Ireland, but Allister highlighted its broader implications for the entire United Kingdom.

“This Bill does not apply to Northern Ireland, so some might wonder why I would bother to speak in the debate,” he said. “The reason is very simple: the ramifications could be positive for the whole of the United Kingdom because of the Government’s vision within the Bill for decarbonising bus travel.”

A golden opportunity for British manufacturing

With approximately 36,000 fossil fuel buses currently operating on UK roads, the shift to sustainable transport presents a significant opportunity for domestic manufacturers.

Allister pointed to Wrightbus, based in his North Antrim constituency, as a cornerstone of this transition.

“I have the privilege of representing North Antrim, which of course has Wrightbus at its very heart,” he stated. “Not only is it involved in electric buses; it is a leader in hydrogen buses and can still produce diesel buses when needed.”

Wrightbus, a Ballymena-based manufacturer, has established itself as a pioneer in green bus technology, producing both electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Allister urged the Government to capitalise on this expertise, warning against repeating past mistakes where foreign suppliers, particularly from China, dominated the UK’s bus and electric vehicle markets.

“If the Government are serious about this, let us build in a prioritisation for British built buses as a prerequisite to the refurbishment of the industry,” he emphasised.

Refurbishment: A cost-effective path to Sustainability

Recognising the high costs of replacing entire bus fleets, Allister advocated for an innovative middle ground: refurbishing existing diesel buses into electric models.

“The second thing I want to say to the Government is that with so many diesel buses across this nation, and with the expense of replacing old with new, the middle option of refurbishing diesel buses as electric buses needs to be grasped and explored,” he said.

Wrightbus, he noted, is already a leader in this field, offering expertise in converting diesel buses to electric, thereby extending their lifespan while reducing emissions.

This approach could provide a cost-effective solution for local authorities and transport operators, balancing environmental goals with economic pragmatism. By retrofitting existing vehicles, the UK could accelerate its decarbonisation efforts without the need for wholesale fleet replacements, creating a more sustainable and financially viable path forward.

Collaborative procurement for greater impact

Allister also called for smarter procurement strategies to maximise the benefits of the Government’s decarbonisation plan. With many transport responsibilities devolved to metro mayors and local councils in England, he proposed greater collaboration in purchasing decisions.

“I ask the Government whether they are prepared to embrace metro mayors being able to pursue joint procurement not just for their own area, but working with others so that they can have the delivery that comes from larger orders,” he said.

Such an approach, he argued, would streamline production and delivery, benefiting manufacturers like Wrightbus and other UK suppliers.

A national opportunity for economic growth

The TUV leader framed the decarbonisation initiative as a chance to bolster the UK economy, particularly in regions like Northern Ireland and Scotland, which host significant bus manufacturing industries.

“I say to the Government that they have an opportunity not just to help the regions that the Bill will directly affect, but to bring benefit to the whole United Kingdom,” Allister declared.

By prioritising domestically produced buses, the Government could support jobs, innovation, and economic growth while advancing its net-zero ambitions.

Wrightbus’s role extends beyond Northern Ireland, with the company’s innovations in hydrogen and electric bus technology positioning it as a key player in the UK’s green transport revolution. Allister’s remarks underscore the potential for this sector to drive both environmental and economic progress, provided the Government seizes the opportunity to back British manufacturing.

A call to action for policymakers

As the UK navigates the complex transition to a low-carbon future, Allister’s intervention serves as a timely reminder of the importance of strategic policymaking. By prioritising companies like Wrightbus, the Government can ensure that the benefits of decarbonisation extend beyond environmental gains to include job creation, regional development, and industrial resilience.

“There is an opportunity, and I trust that the opportunity will be grasped and that it will be underscored by the need to prioritise local United Kingdom build when replenishing our bus services and our buses across the United Kingdom,” he concluded.

The Government’s response to Allister’s proposals remains to be seen, but his speech has sparked a vital conversation about the role of British innovation in achieving a sustainable future. With Wrightbus at the forefront, the UK’s bus decarbonisation plan could become a model for how environmental policy and economic ambition can go hand in hand.