Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Portishead Railway

14 June 2022 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Liam Fox Con North Somerset

EconomyTransportEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Liam Fox raised concerns about portishead railway in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Portishead rail link is crucial to alleviate regional congestion costing 300 million annually.
  • The rail project could open by 2025, while an alternative bridge would cost at least 250 million and not be ready until 2030.
  • The right hon. Member requests the Department for Transport to fund the additional 26.82 million needed for the project.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Liam Fox Con North Somerset

The Portishead rail link is crucial due to the £300 million annual cost of congestion in the region, with traffic queueing times expected to increase by 74% by 2036. The alternative, a major new bridge, would cost at least £250 million and not be deliverable until 2030. In contrast, Portishead rail could open by 2025. Additionally, the project supports economic development, job creation, and environmental sustainability. Despite initial budget estimates of £116 million in 2017, revised forecasts indicate a need for an additional £26.82 million to cover capital and revenue costs. The right hon. Member requests the Department for Transport to provide this funding and implement governance measures to ensure the project’s success.

Other contributors (5)
  • Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South

    Supports the reopening of passenger lines, highlighting the importance of new stations near Parson Street and Bedminster in Bristol South. Emphasises the need for low-carbon transport options and support for new housing developments. Urges the Government to take further action.

  • Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills

    I congratulate my right hon. Friend on securing this debate and recognise the project's importance to his constituency and the wider Greater Bristol area. The Government have committed £31.9 million to close the funding gap for the Portishead line reopening, with a further request for £15.6 million being considered. The scheme faces statutory requirements under the Planning Act 2008, including a development consent order (DCO) and full business case approval. I assure my right hon. Friend that his constituents' concerns are recognised and valued.

  • John Penrose

    Emphasised the project's benefits for neighbouring constituencies beyond North Somerset, highlighting environmental and levelling-up impacts on less well-off areas such as Pill.

  • Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South

    Critiqued the repeated delays and excuses given by Conservative Ministers over time regarding the Portishead railway project, expressing frustration with each new Minister bringing a range of new hoops to jump through.

  • Liam Fox

    Called for decisive action on the DCO process, stressing the need for results rather than prolonged treatment, urging movement within existing budgets due to intolerable delays.

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