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Midge Hall Railway Station
17 April 2024
Lead MP
Katherine Fletcher
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
TransportEnergyLocal Government
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Katherine Fletcher raised concerns about midge hall railway station in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Ms Fletcher expressed her concern over the closure of Midge Hall station during the Beeching cuts. She highlighted that trains currently pass through the station without stopping for passengers due to a single-track line and token exchange procedure, causing inconvenience to local residents and businesses. She noted significant development around the station, including a trading estate and new housing projects, which will increase population in the area. Ms Fletcher advocated for the feasibility study of reopening Midge Hall station and improving the Preston-to-Liverpool train service by removing administrative barriers at Ormskirk and implementing battery-powered trains to facilitate direct connections. She also mentioned the importance of re-establishing Burscough curves for better connectivity.
Damien Moore
Con
Southport
Mr Moore commended Ms Fletcher’s efforts and highlighted the economic benefits of improved rail connectivity between Liverpool and Preston. He emphasised the importance of regional connectivity, especially in educational and commercial sectors, and praised the Department for Transport's recent funding allocations to improve local transport infrastructure.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged Ms Fletcher’s and Mr Moore’s contributions and outlined plans under Network North, a £36 billion programme for transport investment across the UK. He highlighted that Lancashire County Council has been allocated £494 million from the local transport fund to improve rail services and infrastructure. The Minister emphasised the role of local authorities in prioritising projects such as the Midge Hall station and Burscough curves, encouraging MPs like Ms Fletcher and Mr Moore to collaborate closely with councils. He also discussed ongoing efforts to decarbonize the railway network through battery-powered trains and hydrogen technology, mentioning recent trials and future plans for their implementation. The Minister assured both MPs that he would support them in advocating for these rail projects.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.