Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson urges Prime Minister to back crackdown on scourge of “headphone dodgers”
During PMQs today (Wednesday 30th April 2025), Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson and Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler demanded action from the Prime Minister on the worrying trend of rising anti-social behaviour.
Over one in two Brits (54%) say they would not feel comfortable asking someone to turn down their music on public transport. Around two thirds of Londoners support an £1000 fine for those playing loud content on public transport, according YouGov polling.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for tough action on those who show disregard for others by playing loud music and videos in shared spaces. Last week, they called for a ban on people playing music without headphones on public transport, including fines of up to £1,000 for offenders, and a national publicity campaign.
Mr Kohler’s request for the Prime Minister’s support for the plans to tackle this issue were met with jeers from the Conservative benches. However, the Prime Minister agreed with Mr. Kohler that while Conservative MPs may laugh, the Government takes this issue seriously and does not see it as low-level.
The Prime Minister referenced the impact antisocial has on communities' sense of safety and referenced additional police funding, community policing and respect orders.
Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon, Paul Kohler said:
“Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in public spaces. Playing loud music without headphones is a daily source of stress and disruption.”
“The various by-laws outlawing this antisocial behaviour are clearly not working, and announced cuts to the British transport police are bound to make matters worse.”
“I’m pleased the Prime Minister recognises that this is a serious issue, and that respect for others must be at the heart of how we build safer, more civil communities.”
Sources
Polling conducted by Savanta and commissioned by the Liberal Democrats can be found here
Polling conducted by YouGov which includes a breakdown of those who support the policy in London can be found here
Paul’s PMQ can be watched here