← Back to House of Commons Debates
Rail Investment and Integrated Rail Plan
08 December 2021
Lead MP
Andrew Jones
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 25
At a Glance
Andrew Jones raised concerns about rail investment and integrated rail plan in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Robert Largan
Con
High Peak
Welcomes the £137 million upgrade to the Hope Valley line, highlights its benefits for reliability and frequency, mentions the £228 million new Mottram bypass and Glossop spur road investment, supports the Hope Valley explorer bus pilot, welcomes commitment to look at electrification of the line. Also discusses HS2 benefits for High Peak and calls for a railway station for Gamesley and improved transport links in Glossop.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Critiques the lack of Cumbria representation in the IRP, expresses concern over the cancellation of Northern Powerhouse Rail, highlights issues with the Lakes line and calls for electrification. Asks for a passing loop at Burneside to increase capacity and better accessibility at Staveley station. Calls on Government to reconsider electrification of lines from Oxenholme to Windermere and Lancaster to Barrow.
Ruth Edwards
Con
Rushcliffe
Praises the £96 billion investment in rail, highlights improvements for her constituency such as easier commuting. Criticises opposition stance on HS2 and its impact on regional connectivity. Emphasises the faster delivery of HS2 plans under current government.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Ms. Smith expressed her concern about the disintegrated rail plan, particularly focusing on the need for better connectivity in Lancashire and Cumbria. She highlighted the importance of investing in local communities beyond just improving London access. Ms. Smith also emphasised the necessity of fulfilling promises made to towns like Fleetwood regarding the reconnection of their railway lines, which remain unfulfilled despite previous assurances from the Prime Minister.
Mr. Bradley defended the integrated rail plan as an excellent investment in the region and commended it for its commitment to invest £12.8 billion in the east midlands, specifically highlighting the benefits for Nottingham and Derby's connection to Birmingham. He noted that government engagement had led to recognising local priorities such as Toton’s economic importance, which includes job creation opportunities. Mr. Bradley stressed the plan's role in levelling up by providing better quality jobs and transport links for residents.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
I express deep disappointment at the Government's approach to rail infrastructure, particularly affecting Nottinghamshire and other northern regions. I highlight the need for more investment in high-speed rail as a key driver of economic growth and regeneration. In my constituency, Reading, there is an urgent requirement for greater electrification of the Great Western line west of Newbury and improvements in areas like the north-south corridor connecting the south coast with Manchester. Additionally, I advocate for investments in local stations such as Green Park station in Reading West and support initiatives like the Western Rail Link to enhance rail infrastructure.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
I celebrate the scrapping of HS2's eastern leg, which would have been detrimental to my constituency. I am pleased with the integrated rail plan, particularly the £12 billion investment in local transport infrastructure, including the Maid Marian line bringing railway services back to rural parts of Ashfield after nearly 50 years. This plan will significantly reduce journey times between major cities and improve connectivity for residents in Nottinghamshire and the east midlands.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
I express anger at the current Conservative Government's incompetence, dishonesty, and failure to deliver on their promises regarding rail infrastructure. Despite repeated manifesto commitments since 2010 to implement HS2 and electrify the midland main line, the Government has failed in every major rail investment announcement made during this period. This pattern of broken promises has led to a lack of public confidence and a betrayal of voters who have been lied to repeatedly.
Jacob Young
Con
The Tees Valley
The Tees Valley has a proud history in the rail sector, from George Stephenson's Stockton to Darlington railway in 1825 to modern developments. Recent announcements show our commitment to levelling up rail services with TransPennine Express extensions and LNER direct services from Middlesbrough to London Kings Cross. The £100 million redevelopment of Darlington train station will create new platforms, a new station building, and more frequent local services. Using British-made steel in HS2 would secure the future of this vital national industry and support over 1,000 jobs in Redcar alone. However, there is no obvious solution to resolving roadblocks for growth in Redcar as we expand rail networks.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
The announcement that the Prime Minister would be dropping Northern Powerhouse Rail is a major broken promise to date. The public must be properly consulted on rail plans with honesty about pros and cons, benefits, costs, and negative impacts. People in Bedford and Kempston are under threat of compulsory purchase due to East West Rail planning but lack clarity on reasonable compensation if their homes are demolished.
Nigel Evans
Ind
19:52:00
A minute has been added.
Andy Carter
Con
Warrington South
The integrated rail plan is an absolutely brilliant plan for Warrington South, putting our town and people at the heart of the north’s rail network. The Government have listened to local views on critical links between Liverpool and Manchester. Faster, more reliable connections to key cities and towns will be delivered 10 years faster than previously planned under these plans. Journey times from Warrington to Leeds will be slashed to just 50 minutes. There are significant implications for services through Warrington Central station due to proposed December 2022 timetables, particularly on the CLC line. The Minister should meet to discuss how timetable alterations do not impact people in Warrington.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central
Expresses disappointment at the cancellation of Northern Powerhouse Rail, highlighting its promises of faster services on a dedicated line, new trains and stations. Criticises the upgrade plan as insufficient without additional capacity and local stops. Raises concerns about increased car use due to service cuts. Questions future electrification plans for the Harrogate line. Urges funding for mass transit systems in West Yorkshire to improve connectivity.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Welcomes rail improvements under Conservative Governments, pointing out Labour's lack of progress from 2001 to 2010. Supports the £96 billion package for rail infrastructure but criticises recent announcements affecting Bradford district. Advocates for better east-west connectivity and a stop in Bradford for commuters between Leeds and Manchester. Calls for opening up the Skipton to Colne line to increase economic opportunities.
Invites the next speaker, Rachael Maskell, to intervene in the debate.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Responds on behalf of Her Majesty’s Opposition. Criticises the Government for their lack of ambition and betrayal towards rail network plans. Highlights the disappointment from northern leaders, industry experts, unions, and local mayors regarding the under-delivery of promises made by the government. Emphasises the importance of proper investment over spin.
Asks for an intervention to be addressed during the debate, focusing on rail investment needs.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Intervenes in the debate, emphasising the need for integrated rail and infrastructure investment to improve stations such as Luton station which are currently decrepit.
Pendle
He thanked speakers for their contributions and emphasised the importance of rail investment in supporting local economies and employment. He highlighted that HS2 remains the largest infrastructure project in Europe, reducing journey times from Glasgow to London by 49 minutes and from Edinburgh to London by 42 minutes. He also addressed concerns raised about Scotland's fair deal, underlining plans for significant improvements including contactless ticketing across more stations. Stephenson reassured Members that his government is committed to working with local stakeholders to ensure that rail investment delivers positive outcomes for all regions.
Jacob Young
in intervention
He questioned the Minister about the potential use of British steel in HS2, suggesting it would be great if this major European infrastructure project supported domestic industry.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
She raised concerns regarding the rail plan and its benefits for Yorkshire and the north-east. She argued that expertise from these regions needs to be recognised, advocating for a rethinking of plans to ensure economic development across the entire northern region.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
He highlighted investment in stations such as Slaithwaite and Marsden, stressing improvements in connectivity and accessibility which are beneficial for communities with disabilities. His contribution focused on how the rail plan impacts specific northern towns positively.
Alan Campbell
Lab
Tynemouth
He moved closure under Standing Order No. 36, indicating an end to debate and a move towards voting or conclusion of discussions.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
She raised a point of order regarding urgent travel advice for constituents with medical conditions planning international trips, seeking clarification from the Foreign Office on vaccine requirements for Spain due to conflicting information.
He acknowledged the point of order and emphasised the importance of timely responses by Ministers to urgent issues raised by Members. He noted that there are opportunities for further discussions, including business questions scheduled for the following day.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.