Zero-emission Vehicles, Drivers and HS2

The statement covers three major areas: zero-emission vehicles, HS2 decision, and Network North investment. For zero-emission vehicles, the UK has set ambitious targets for clean car production with a mandate of 80% by 2030. The Government is also investing in public charge points to lower costs and increase choice. On HS2, the plan is to complete it between London Euston and Birmingham but then redirect funds to local transport projects across the country. Lastly, Network North includes £2 billion for improved road conditions, faster rail connections, and a new mass transit system in West Yorkshire.

The Labour MP criticises the Government for its lack of consultation with communities and metro Mayors, highlighting the Prime Minister's decision as an act of incompetence. She raises concerns about the economic impact on small and medium-sized enterprises, potential job losses, and the cost of living. Furthermore, she questions the credibility of the alternative plan, 'Network North', pointing out that many proposed projects are already completed or non-existent.

The Secretary of State for Transport responds to the criticism, stating that HS2 phase 1 from Euston to the west midlands is still being delivered. He emphasises that a £12 billion investment will be made across various regions and highlights his decision on the day before the Prime Minister's speech was announced.

The Member questions the capacity constraints caused by stopping HS2 at Handsacre junction, urging for additional measures to ensure that inter-regional services and freight services have adequate space on the west coast main line.

Criticises the cancellation of HS2 phase 2, highlighting its impact on Scotland's connectivity. Expresses disappointment in the Government’s lack of concern for levelling up outside London and southeast England. Questions the delay in electric vehicle mandates and seeks clarity on funding commitments to Scotland.

Defends the decision to cancel HS2 phase 2, stating that funds are being redirected towards alternative transport projects across the country. Reiterates commitment to local connectivity and decarbonisation measures such as the zero-emission vehicle mandate.

Acknowledges disappointment over HS2 but supports redirection of funds towards local rail upgrades in Yorkshire, expressing hope that projects like the Huddersfield-Sheffield-Penistone line will now receive funding.

Raises concerns over the impact of cancelled HS2 on northern infrastructure, citing an example in Northwich where local projects are at risk despite government consultations suggesting otherwise.

Calls for scrapping the entirety of HS2 and redirecting funds to improve existing lines such as the west coast main line and Chiltern line, citing daily misery faced by his constituents due to incomplete HS2 project.

Questions the feasibility of 15-minute communities proposal and criticises the Secretary of State's suggestion that local authorities are restricting residents' movements, citing Oxfordshire County Council's example.

Inquires about release of safeguarded land in his constituency following cancellation of HS2 phase 2b to Leeds, seeking clarity on the timeline for its return and potential impact on local residents.

Questions whether Parliament should scrutinise the proposed £36 billion expenditure for Network North and Northern Powerhouse Rail. Asks if saved money from cancelled HS2 will be used to address transport failings in constituencies such as his, highlighting inadequacies of the current rail service.

Raises concerns about costs and ambitions for UK railway projects 200 years after the world’s first passenger railway, questioning why they are so much more expensive in this country compared to other major countries.

Critiques the decision to scrap most of HS2 due to rising costs and accuses the government of wasting taxpayers’ money, specifically mentioning £2.2 billion on cancelled sections.

Asks Ministers to ensure that grants for local road changes do not end up harming crucial roads or drivers' lives.

Questions the decision to scrap northern HS2, stating it will lead to more lorry journeys and increased carbon emissions. Suggests this is anti-public transport stance from the government.

Welcomes Ely junction investment and asks for Minister's support in bringing forward dualling of A120 to benefit motorists in Essex.

Highlights the absence of funding for his constituency’s capital transport projects on Network North map. Asks if Cheshire West and Chester Council will get a refund for preparatory work spent on HS2.

Welcomes substantial funding towards investments like Ferryhill station but requests clarity regarding the Leamside project in light of recent opposition claims.

Discussed the reopening of the Leamside line and provided details on the additional £685 million for transport projects in the north-east, emphasising devolution and the Mayor's role in decision-making.

Asked about the rail electrification project to Hull, questioning trust due to previous broken promises on HS2.

Responded that phase 2 of HS2 was not scheduled until 2041 and that dates for the electrification project will be announced through normal processes as they work through business cases.

Supported the decision on HS2 due to cost control and benefits, asking about investment in local schemes like reopening Meir station and investing in roads around Stoke-on-Trent.

Agreed that investing money in local schemes would deliver more benefits quickly compared to phase 2 of HS2.

Inquired about the £3 billion shortfall for Welsh transport priorities after HS2 cancellation, asking for reassurance that Wales would receive its allocated funds.

Confirmed an investment of £1 billion into electrifying the north Wales main line and stated that Wales will receive Barnett consequentials for local transport spending.

Critiqued the cancellation as anti-democratic, stating it would prevent Mayors and future Governments from building out HS2 with all its benefits.

Defended the decision based on changed facts of increased costs and reduced benefits, rejecting criticism that the Labour Party now accepts the cancellation of HS2.

Encouraged consideration for funding opportunities between large rail schemes and small local projects like Midge Hall in her constituency.

Confirmed that the rail Minister would meet with the Member to discuss specific proposals related to improvement schemes.

Explored reassurance for landowners affected by compulsory purchase due to HS2 cancellation, focusing on Newcastle-under-Lyme and its surrounding areas.

Reassured that a proper legal process will be followed and details will be set out for impacted landowners.

Questioned the approach to net zero, comparing it to a Stalinist economic plan, particularly regarding the zero emission vehicle mandate and consumer choice.

Defended the proposals as necessary for addressing climate change, supported by industry plans, and confirmed that Northern Ireland would have to decide on joining in with these proposals if a Government is formed there.

Asked the Secretary of State to use his influence to secure the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, given additional funding for South Yorkshire.

Asked the Secretary of State to confirm that South Yorkshire will receive £900 million due to the cancellation of HS2 and inquired about the timeframe for receiving this funding.

Expressed gratitude for the Department of Transport's announcement regarding £231 million for Norwich Western Link road and an additional £600 million for Ely junction upgrade. Inquired about potential increased passenger trains between Norwich and Cambridge.

Asked the Secretary of State to provide assurances that HS2 Limited and its contractors will be better held accountable for effective monitoring and oversight of HS2 projects following concerns raised by the Prime Minister.

Congratulated the Government on allocating £1 billion towards electrification of the north Wales main line, which is transformative for local economies in Aberconwy and across North Wales. Requested confirmation from the Secretary of State that plans are progressing.

Complained about misleading information regarding the reopening of the Leamside line, which was initially included in a document but later removed. Accused Ministers on the Prime Minister’s Front Bench of spinning false information.

Asked for assurance that some of the redirected £36 billion will go towards improving road networks in Lincolnshire, such as A15, A16, and A46. Requested a meeting with the Minister responsible for roads.

Critiqued the decision to cancel HS2 phase 2, arguing it is a short-sighted failure that leaves Manchester without long-term benefits from an infrastructure project. Felt constituents were let down by this decision.

Asked how those who lost businesses and properties due to HS2 can be compensated when the railway line will not be built as planned, given that their lives have been impacted significantly.

Expressed pleasure at the announcement of electrification for the north Wales main line but questioned whether £1 billion funding was sufficient and sought a guarantee for proper delivery of this project.

Welcomed the commitment to Ely North junction and Haughley junction, highlighting benefits for constituents including an hourly Peterborough to Ipswich service and better connections to London. Emphasised the project's cost-effectiveness compared to other schemes.

Critiqued the Government’s decision to scrap the proposal to reopen the Leamside line, accusing them of betraying businesses and communities in the north-east. Questioned who made the decision to water down the proposal.

Expressed concerns about Blackpool Council potentially spending taxpayers’ money on Chinese zero-emission buses instead of British ones, highlighting implications for local jobs and supply chains.

Inquired if the Government was going to waste time and resources spent on rail development based on HS2, questioning what exactly is the new plan after the cancellation of the second phase.

Asked for confirmation that the Ivanhoe line will be fully reopened as per Prime Minister’s announcement. Inquired about outstanding claims and processes related to property and land on the now-cancelled HS2 route north of Birmingham.

Welcomed support for Cullompton railway station, inquiring if it is still on track to open by 2024 as previously suggested. Mentioned that his predecessor had secured funding for the project two years ago.