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A1: North Northumberland
15 July 2026
Lead MP
David Smith
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EconomyTransportCulture, Media & Sport
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
David Smith raised concerns about a1: north northumberland 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
MP David Smith raised concerns about safety and infrastructure improvements on the A1 road through North Northumberland. He highlighted numerous accidents, fatalities, and daily constituent complaints regarding the dangerous conditions of the A1. The MP advocated for dual carriageway upgrades but acknowledged that recent funding constraints have delayed this project. He emphasised the economic impact of improving traffic flow and safety, especially given Northumberland's growing tourism industry. Smith welcomed initial improvements under the Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3) but urged further investment through RIS4.
John Lamont
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
MP John Lamont supported Smith's concerns, emphasising the A1’s importance for communities in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. He criticised the cancellation of plans to dual 13 miles of the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham and urged both UK and Scottish Governments to restore this project and improve safety along the entire route.
Government Response
Minister Simon Lightwood acknowledged the strength of local feeling about A1 safety issues. He explained that while the full dualling scheme from Morpeth to Ellingham was not progressing due to cost constraints, significant work had been undertaken on road safety improvements. National Highways has commenced a dedicated safety study and identified practical interventions like improved signs, junctions, visibility measures, vegetation clearance, speed management, and other enhancements. Lightwood emphasised the £1.8 billion transport investment for the North East between 2027-32, indicating ongoing engagement with local MPs to ensure effective use of funds towards road safety improvements.
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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.