Richard Holden expressed his delight at securing an Adjournment debate on the feasibility bid for the Weardale railway. He highlighted visits by Ministerial colleagues to inspect the railway, praising local support from organisations such as Durham County Council and Darlington Council. Emphasising the historical significance of rail in the area since the 1840s, Holden argued that the proposed line could connect communities to economic opportunities like Teesside's freeport and improve transportation infrastructure for lithium exploration. He acknowledged the heritage railway’s current operation but stressed the bid aims at connecting Crook and Howden-le-Wear to Bishop Auckland terminus and potentially extending further north. Holden urged the Government to prioritise funding and feasibility studies, noting previous investments in his constituency such as hospital improvements and initiatives against motorhomes tax and draught beer duty.