MPs throw their weight behind Caitlin's campaign
A debate could be held in Westminster
Last updated 22nd Nov 2018
MPs are joining forces to support Caitlin's campaign to try and cut the number of young deaths on the UK's roads.
We're working with Sharron Huddleston whose daughter Caitlin was killed in a crash last year.
The Coroner at her inquest is recommending a Graduated Driving Licence be introuced so that new drivers get more experience behind the wheel.
WATCH: Copeland MP Trudy Harrison told our Westminster Reporter Georgie Prodromou that changes to the system need to be made:
Trudy is joining forces with Darlington MP Jenny Chapman, who is also calling on the Government to consider bringing in GDL. They have both applied for a debate to take place in Westminster.
John Woodcock, the MP for Barrow and Furness, is another political figure backing the campaign. He’s supporting the idea of a change on the roads and has promised to lobby the Transport Minister as part of Caitlin’s Campaign.
He said, “there are so many stories of lives lost on Cumbrian roads, but worse still this is a problem right across the country and it effects everybody. There would certainly be a strong case for the Transport Committee here in Parliament doing a detailed study of how exactly this would work, so we can have an informed debate about what is the approach we ought to take in the UK. I’m keen to push the transport minister here in Government to look properly at this issue, both on trying to reduce the number of families going through this heartbreak that Caitlin’s family have gone through, but also bringing benefit to drivers right across the spectrum in terms of reducing accidents."
He went on to say, "Everyone who is getting behind this and campaigning for change on the back of Caitlin’s death is doing a really honourable thing and let’s hope that we can get the kind of change that will make an effective difference and make the roads a bit safer.”
Greater Manchester MP Liz McInnes is also supporting the campaign. She has already made a huge impact on road safety through the 'Justice for Joseph' campaign, calling on the Government to introduce life sentences for killer drivers. Speaking about Caitlin's campaign she said:
"The Graduated Driving Licence is in place in other Countries and has been successful in bringing road death rates down, so with that evidence I think it's absolutely essential that we do look at how it works and see what good practive we can bring here to the UK.