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East Suffolk and Wherry Railway Lines
19 May 2022
Lead MP
Peter Aldous
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
TaxationTransportClimateCulture, Media & Sport
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Peter Aldous raised concerns about east suffolk and wherry railway lines 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
Earlier this month, Peter Aldous highlighted the importance of the East Suffolk line and the Wherry line in Lowestoft, marking their 175th anniversary. The railways have a long history and can continue to bring benefits and job opportunities by improving connectivity, enhancing stations, and supporting sustainable industries like renewable energy and tourism. While there has been progress, such as doubling passenger numbers over ten years and introducing new trains, concerns remain about further improvements being overlooked in favour of major projects elsewhere. Aldous proposed addressing issues like upgrading Haughley junction, connecting services to the national network, reviewing service speeds and frequencies, exploring innovative solutions like alternative-fuelled trains, and improving station infrastructure.
Wendy Morton
Con
Ynys Mon
Morton thanked Aldous for his debate on the East Suffolk line and Wherry line in Lowestoft. She recognised the importance of these lines to local communities and businesses, especially with growing industries such as green energy and tourism.
Government Response
Morton acknowledged the significance of the East Suffolk line and Wherry line in Lowestoft. She noted that new direct services to London Liverpool Street have been considered but are currently not feasible due to capacity constraints on the route. However, she encouraged Greater Anglia to continue exploring opportunities for such a service in the future. Morton highlighted improvements including new trains being introduced by Greater Anglia and strong operational performance on these routes. She also mentioned past investments like the completion of the Beccles loop, which improved timetables and provided an alternative to road journeys.
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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.