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Zero-emission Vehicles, Drivers and HS2
16 October 2023
Lead MP
Mark Harper
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TransportBenefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 50
At a Glance
Mark Harper raised concerns about zero-emission vehicles, drivers and hs2 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
The Government are making decisions to improve the journeys that matter most to the British public, focusing on zero-emission vehicles with ambitious but proportionate targets. They will back Britain’s drivers by ensuring people can continue buying new petrol and diesel cars until 2035 while investing heavily in electric vehicle (EV) production and infrastructure. The Government also opposes overly restrictive measures imposed by local councils that punish car users, emphasising the importance of cars as a lifeline for access to work, education, and essential services.
Mark Harper
Con
Fylde
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.
Louise Haigh
Lab
Sheffield Heeley
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.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
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.
Mark Harper
Con
Fittleworth
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.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
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.
Mike Amesbury
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
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.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
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.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
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.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wakefield
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.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
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.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
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.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
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.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Welcomes Ely junction investment and asks for Minister's support in bringing forward dualling of A120 to benefit motorists in Essex.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
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.
Mark Harper
Con
South Dorset
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.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
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.
Jack Brereton
Con
Stoke-on-Trent South
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.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
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.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
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.
Milton Keynes North
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.
Aaron Bell
Con
Warrington South
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.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
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.
Woodford
Asked the Secretary of State to use his influence to secure the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, given additional funding for South Yorkshire.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
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.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
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.
Sarah Green
Lib Dem
Chesham and Amersham
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.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
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.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
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.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
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.
Tom Hunt
Con
Tiverton and Honiton
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.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
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.
Samantha Dixon
Lab
Chester North and Neston
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.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
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.
Government Response
The Secretary of State responds, affirming ongoing investment in phase 1 of HS2 from Euston to the west midlands. He highlights the increased capacity and points out that £12 billion will be invested across various regions. He also notes the decision was taken a day before the Prime Minister's announcement. Defends the decision to redirect funds from cancelled HS2 phase 2 towards alternative transport projects. Emphasises commitment to local connectivity and decarbonisation efforts, highlighting specific regional investments. Replies to questions regarding HS2 phase 2 safeguarding, scrutiny of spending by Transport Committee, investment in local transport projects, cost issues with railway construction and benefits reduction post-pandemic. Emphasises the reallocation of funds towards alternative transport projects with higher return on investment. Answered questions regarding South Yorkshire’s £900 million, Norfolk infrastructure needs, monitoring arrangements for HS2, the electrification of north Wales main line, Leamside Line reopening, Lincolnshire road improvements, and compensation for those impacted by HS2 cancellation. Responded positively to questions regarding various railway projects, including Ely North junction and Haughley junction, confirming ongoing work with Network Rail. Acknowledged support for Cullompton station and other initiatives funded by cancelling the second phase of HS2.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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