House of Commons contributions

Prime Minister: Engagements (17 Jun 2026)

Lauren Sullivan: ...takes to unlock the potential of our local economies? One such example would be supporting the campaign by me and my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jen Craft) to restore the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry, which was cut by the Conservatives.

Energy Security (19 May 2026)

Lauren Sullivan: ...is yet to be truly felt be my constituents and local businesses, so there is a lot more work to be done. The Thames estuary itself can be used to transport people, as with the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry. I encourage the Government to explore sustainable transport modes such as hydrogen or electric-powered ferried across the Thames, removing congestion on roads. Continuing to rely solely on...

Business and Trade: Topical Questions (11 Dec 2025)

Lauren Sullivan: The loss of the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry has had a detrimental impact on our high street, with businesses reporting a fall in footfall. Will the Minister meet me to advise on any potential capital revenue grants that could unlock growth in this area and the wider Thames estuary?

Income tax (charge) ( 2 Dec 2025)

Lauren Sullivan: ...(Jen Craft) and I will be holding the Government to account on the promises made to our communities. We have been calling in particular for the permanent restoration of the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry passenger service, which was cut by Kent county council and Thurrock council. We think that a small amount of the lower Thames crossing toll money should be ringfenced to provide that service.

Regional Transport Inequality (11 Sep 2025)

Lauren Sullivan: ...based on profit, not where people actually want to go. I am incredibly confident that the new bus services Bill will enable local people to make the routes better for themselves. I must mention the ferry—bring back the Tilbury-Gravesend ferry—because it is not only about getting across the borough but getting to Essex, supporting our businesses as a place for growth.

Regional Transport Inequality (11 Sep 2025)

Lauren Sullivan: The hon. Member and I share a passion for ferries. My ferry no longer runs, so despite having a local government agency that could intervene and supply a ferry, it let go of that contract. I will continue to bang that drum, because ferries are an incredibly important mode of transport for so many people, especially his constituents on the Isle of Wight. The Government want to see transport as...

Transport: Transport: Economic Growth (11 Sep 2025)

Lauren Sullivan: ...steps will the Secretary of State take to ensure that a new transport system there supports real jobs for local people and has wider economic benefit? For example, reinstating the Tilbury-Gravesend ferry would strengthen business connections across the Thames.

Gravesham: River Crossings ( 3 Jul 2025)

Lauren Sullivan: Our petitions, which have garnered thousands of signatures, call for the return of the ferry service. It is clear that businesses and residents want their ferry back. At present, there is a desire for people to travel by public transport, which I support. People should leave their cars at home, but they need options. Previously, the option was a 10-minute jump across the water. Now, the...

Gravesham: River Crossings ( 3 Jul 2025)

Lauren Sullivan: ...think that is a very good proposal that we in this place should get behind. I know from my past role as a councillor on Gravesham borough council that operators are very interested in introducing a ferry service. In fact, Gravesend pier was sold to Thames Clipper in order to make way for the exciting development of the new public transport route to London and beyond. However, Gravesham...

Gravesham: River Crossings ( 3 Jul 2025)

Lauren Sullivan: ...constituency of Gravesham. I am grateful to the Minister for giving up his time today to respond to the debate. I wish to cover two crossings: one old and closed, which is the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry; and one planned and very expensive, which is the lower Thames crossing. For those who do not know, Gravesham constituency is a river community. We are bound by the River Thames, with all...

Transport: Maritime Sector: Support (27 Mar 2025)

Lauren Sullivan: ...a disappointment to many of my constituents. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can use a small proportion of the tolls to support the maritime sector, particularly the Tilbury-Gravesend ferry, to reduce congestion and rat-running through the villages?

Education and Opportunity (24 Jul 2024)

Lauren Sullivan: ...of many faiths and cultures. I recall the recent celebrations of the Windrush generation, whose relatives docked across the river—they cannot get there at the moment because the Tilbury ferry is down, but we are working on that. They have enhanced our borough and they chose Gravesend and Gravesham for their home. One such legendary woman was Sister Ursula Sullivan, also known as Sully,...

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