Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Crewe Railway Station 2025-01-20

20 January 2025 · 11 other contributors

Opened by Connor Naismith Lab Crewe and Nantwich

Transport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Connor Naismith raised concerns about crewe railway station 2025-01-20 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about Crewe railway station include its pivotal role in the UK rail network with 3 million annual passengers and over 2000 weekly trains.
  • Limited platform capacity and outdated infrastructure at Crewe station affect reliability and journey times.
  • Government committed 44.1 billion for renewals, operations, and maintenance in England and Wales from 2024-2029, including essential work at Crewe station.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Connor Naismith Lab Crewe and Nantwich

I am grateful for the opportunity to address this House on an issue that I am no stranger to. The importance of Crewe railway station is not just confined to my constituents but extends across Cheshire East, north-west England, and the nation as a whole. With its unparalleled connectivity, 3 million annual passengers, and over 2,000 weekly trains, Crewe station plays a pivotal role in the UK rail network. The station's economic benefits are significant, with strong ties to engineering firms such as Bentley and Alstom, enabling supply chains and employment opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. However, challenges arise from its limited platform capacity, narrow entrances, and outdated infrastructure, which impact reliability and journey times. I urge the government to prioritise modernising Crewe station to enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and improve passenger experience.

Other contributors (11)
  • Andrew Cooper Lab Mid Cheshire

    Middlewich is about eight and a half miles from Crewe. Provision needs to be made for additional capacity for future services, including to Middlewich.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Connectivity is essential to meet carbon targets, and rail should be an integrated part of the net zero conversation.

  • Rachel Taylor Lab North Warwickshire and Bedworth

    Connecting phase 1 of HS2 up to Crewe is crucial for opening up economic prosperity in North Warwickshire and Bedworth.

  • Aphra Brandreth Con Chester South and Eddisbury

    Crewe station needs urgent upgrades, such as electrifying the track between Crewe and Chester.

  • Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

    Rebuilding trust is important after years of HS2 failures and compensation delays.

  • Allison Gardner Lab Stoke-on-Trent South

    Previous HS2 plans severely reduced services through Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, future developments must not negatively impact this vital region for growth.

  • Sarah Russell Lab Congleton

    My constituents want more reliable journeys through an improved station, better transport links could bring economic growth.

  • Russell Con Congleton

    Advocated for more accessible journeys on the rail network and raised issues around Sandbach station's accessibility.

  • Adam Jogee Labour/Co-operative Party Newcastle-under-Lyme

    Urged for real and meaningful engagement with impacted communities as they seek to consider options on capacity.

  • Rachel Taylor Con North Warwickshire and Bedworth

    Emphasised the need for decisive action for delivering rail services at a reasonable cost, highlighting the need for more capacity on the west coast main line.

  • Gareth Snell Labour/Co-operative Party Stoke-on-Trent Central

    Suggested that connectivity between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester airport should be considered for growth potential.

Government Response

Government Minister

The Minister congratulated the MP on raising the importance of Crewe railway station and acknowledged its strategic significance. She noted that while phase 2 of HS2 has been cancelled, they are considering potential solutions to enhance rail connectivity between Birmingham and Manchester. The Government committed £44.1 billion for renewals, operations, and maintenance in England and Wales from 2024-2029. This includes essential work at Crewe station like roof replacement and renewal of power systems, signalling, and track assets amounting to over £270 million. She highlighted the importance of collaboration with Network Rail and Cheshire East council for better integration between transport modes. We will continue to work with hon. Members, local leaders and the communities that they represent to ensure that we get the delivery of infrastructure projects right. As I have said, I welcome this debate, because it is vital that we continue to discuss our transport projects openly and transparently. I thank all hon. Members for their contributions this evening and for their continued contributions as we work to deliver the railway network that our country requires.

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