Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Weardale Railway

01 November 2021 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Richard Holden raised concerns about weardale railway in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Richard Holden expressed delight in securing an Adjournment debate on the feasibility bid for the Weardale railway, highlighting visits by Ministerial colleagues and local support from Durham and Darlington councils.
  • Chris Heaton-Harris acknowledged the debate and announced the Government's commitment to railway restoration with 500 million invested since January 2020 through the restoring your railway programme.
  • The Minister praised the historical significance of the Weardale railway and the involvement of local communities in bid initiatives, announcing funding for a feasibility study.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay

Richard Holden expressed his delight at securing an Adjournment debate on the feasibility bid for the Weardale railway. He highlighted visits by Ministerial colleagues to inspect the railway, praising local support from organisations such as Durham County Council and Darlington Council. Emphasising the historical significance of rail in the area since the 1840s, Holden argued that the proposed line could connect communities to economic opportunities like Teesside's freeport and improve transportation infrastructure for lithium exploration. He acknowledged the heritage railway’s current operation but stressed the bid aims at connecting Crook and Howden-le-Wear to Bishop Auckland terminus and potentially extending further north. Holden urged the Government to prioritise funding and feasibility studies, noting previous investments in his constituency such as hospital improvements and initiatives against motorhomes tax and draught beer duty.

Other contributors (2)
  • Paul Howell Con Sedgefield

    Paul Howell emphasised the economic importance of a restored railway for areas like Weardale, noting its historical significance and potential to connect communities with employment and leisure opportunities.

  • Peter Gibson Con Darlington

    Peter Gibson congratulated Holden on securing the debate and expressed his support for the restoration of the Darlington to Weardale line, highlighting its role in levelling up regional potential ahead of bicentenary celebrations.

Government Response

Chris Heaton-Harris

Minister Chris Heaton-Harris acknowledged the tragic train accident near Salisbury and congratulated Richard Holden on securing the debate. He emphasised the Government's commitment to levelling up through railway restoration, referencing £500 million investment in the restoring your railway programme since January 2020. The Minister highlighted the historical significance of rail closures post-Beeching report and praised local community involvement in bids. He announced funding for a feasibility study on Weardale railway among other successful projects from the third round ideas fund. Noting potential economic benefits, such as job creation and tourism attraction, Heaton-Harris reaffirmed Government support while encouraging continued faith in future rounds of funding.

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