Tributes and statements of condolence have been pouring in from organisations across the British transport industry following the death of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II yesterday (08 September 2022).
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who was appointed UK transport secretary earlier this week, said: “My whole life has been filled with Queen Elizabeth II, a woman of such extraordinary courage and optimism, always radiant and loving, a beacon to us all on what resilience and devotion to duty looks like every single day. Her death is heartbreaking. May she rest in peace.”
Speaking on behalf of Transport for London, Andy Byford, London’s transport commissioner, said: “It is with great sorrow that we have learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. We send our deepest sympathy to His Majesty The King and all members of the Royal Family.”
RMT joined in paying its respects to Queen Elizabeth and confirmed that the planned railway strike action on 15 and 17 September is postponed. “We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country,” said RMT general secretary Mick Lynch.
In a statement, the Local Council Roads Innovation Group said it was “deeply saddened at the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We will join the rest of the world in mourning the loss of our country’s longest serving monarch. Our sincere condolences are with the Royal Family at this sad time.”
Eamonn Boylan, chief executive of Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “It is with the greatest sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. The Queen was a loyal public servant who dedicated her life to this country, and this very sad news will be felt by many throughout Greater Manchester, across the UK and around the world. The thoughts of everyone at Transport for Greater Manchester are with the Royal Family at this time.”
Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), said: “The BVRLA is deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen. We are grateful for the extraordinary service she gave to the nation over so many years and our thoughts and sympathies are with the Royal Family.”
Sub-national transport body Transport for the North issued the following statement: Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen’s family at this sad time. Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and public service. Our deepest condolences to the King and the Royal Family.
Cycling UK said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of HM The Queen. As well as being Britain’s longest reigning monarch, she was also Cycling UK’s longest standing royal patron. We are so thankful for her 70 years of support. Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.”
Via a post on LinkedIn, British automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover said the passing of Her Majesty the Queen had “left everybody at Jaguar Land Rover deeply saddened, and our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this time”.
“Our relationship with The Queen has been a source of great pride for all of us at Jaguar Land Rover. As the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Head of the Commonwealth, Patron of more than 600 charities as well as a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, The Queen was a remarkable role model.
“Most recently, it was a great honour for us to play a role in Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, marking her historic and extraordinary reign. This was just one of many memories we are truly grateful for as part of our long-standing and continued connection with the Royal Family, and we shall deeply miss Her Majesty’s pioneering leadership and strength that provided this country with continuity, stability, and inspiration through decades of enormous social change.”
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has left SMMT, the UK automotive industry and the whole country deeply saddened. She dedicated her life to the service to the nation and Commonwealth and was a lifelong supporter of our industry, beginning with her role as an ambulance driver and truck mechanic during the Second World War. Throughout her reign, she had a keen interest in – and expert knowledge of – the sector and the many vehicles she drove and in which she was driven.
“Her departure marks the end of an era, and the industry, alongside the rest of the country, remains indebted for the contribution she made to its success – providing a unique and globally respected profile, stability, and genuine enthusiasm for our work. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family and all who knew her.”
