Railway Capacity 2025-01-09
2025-01-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Ely area capacity enhancement scheme aims to improve railway capacity, potentially delivering over a quarter of a million extra rail passenger journeys annually and reducing lorry traffic. The business case shows every pound invested will deliver nearly £5 in benefits.
What steps she is taking to increase railway capacity, specifically regarding the Ely area capacity enhancement scheme which could deliver significant economic and environmental benefits?
I understand how passionately the hon. Lady feels about the scheme, and my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield and Rothwell responded to her written parliamentary question on this matter at the end of November. Projects like Ely Junction have the potential to contribute to our plans to deliver economic growth; however, a decision on the scheme will be subject to the outcome of the upcoming spending review.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific funding or timetable for the Ely area capacity enhancement scheme
Subject To Spending Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The original HS2 vision was to link London with the midlands and north, addressing capacity challenges on the west coast main line. Previous government decisions led to cost overruns and partial mothballing of phase 1.
Does the Government plan to deliver a rail solution linking phase 1 of HS2 north of Birmingham to other parts of the country to drive growth for the whole nation?
When we entered Government in July, we found a collection of unfunded spending commitments for rail schemes up and down the country. We are now working to identify a realistic pipeline of affordable schemes that will deliver better connectivity in partnership with local leaders.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to delivering an integrated HS2 project linking all regions
Working On Realistic Pipeline
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The previous government decision to classify HS2 as an England and Wales project deprived Wales of billions in Barnett formula funding. Baroness Randerson was a strong advocate for improved transport links to Wales.
Will the Secretary of State review the Tories’ decision on classifying HS2 as an England and Wales project, thus depriving Wales of funding, and commit to a high-speed rail link from Birmingham to Crewe?
I have met Ken Skates, the Welsh Minister for Transport, and am working closely with the Secretary of State for Wales on public transport improvements in Wales. We hope this will be Baroness Randerson’s lasting legacy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reviewing HS2 classification or delivering specific rail link from Birmingham to Crewe
Working Closely With Welsh Minister
Response accuracy