Topical Questions 2024-10-10

2024-10-10

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
David Simmonds Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Context
Mr Frederick Cooksley received a fine for breaching the ultra low emission zone rules despite driving on a road where ULEZ does not apply.
My constituent, Frederick Cooksley, was sent a fine by the Mayor of London for breaching the ultra low emission zone rules, despite driving on a road where the ULEZ does not apply. Will she prevail upon her colleague the Mayor of London to ensure everyone who has been issued a fine in error is automatically refunded?
I am sure the Mayor of London will have heard that question. We will pass on issues around fining on roads where the ULEZ does not apply.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address automatic refunds for those fined in error.
Passes Issue To Mayor
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Jennifer Craft Lab
Thurrock
Context
The proposed lower Thames crossing offers short-term mitigation but has detrimental environmental and quality-of-life impacts. Concerns about investment in cross-river public transport including the KenEx tram scheme.
At best, the proposed lower Thames crossing offers only a short-term mitigation to the problem of congestion at the Dartford crossing. Given that, what steps will the Secretary of State take to consider the potential for investment in cross-river public transport?
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and completely understand the concerns that she raises about congestion in the area. The outlined business case submitted by KenEx, to which she refers, was unfortunately unable to progress further after its submission in 2022.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address steps for investment consideration.
Acknowledges Concerns But Does Not Provide Commitment
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Helen Whately Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
Context
The Government is delaying various transport projects. The questioner asks for confidence to be given to businesses, contractors, and communities.
After just 100 days, this is already one of the most anti-growth Governments in history, from investor-scaring taxes to hitting the brakes on our transport infrastructure pipeline. Will she give some to the businesses looking to invest, to the contractors waiting to get started, and, crucially, to the communities that so badly need these upgrades?
I wonder whether the hon. Lady has spoken to any businesses or infrastructure providers over the past 14 years who have suffered appalling uncertainty and a lack of confidence. Her Government presided over billions of pounds of waste and failure in the delivery of infrastructure.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address providing confidence to stakeholders.
Criticises Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Helen Whately Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
Context
The Government is delaying various transport projects. The questioner asks for confirmation that previously committed investments will continue.
I was expecting the right hon. Lady to say something along the lines of “wait for the Budget”, or “wait for the spending review”. However, she did not wait for the Budget to give unions a massive pay rise. Can she confirm that every penny of investment committed through Network North will continue to be invested in our country's transport infrastructure?
The hon. Lady can wait for the Budget!
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the commitment to previous investment.
Tells Questioner To Wait
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Sureena Brackenridge Lab
Wolverhampton North East
Context
A serious crash in the constituency prompted concerns about dangerous driving. West Midlands police are committed to Vision Zero.
Dangerous driving is a major concern, particularly following a serious crash in my constituency last week. With West Midlands police committed to Vision Zero, what additional support is the Department for Transport providing to help local enforcement and campaigns to tackle speeding and other dangerous driving behaviours?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that vital question. Every death on our roads is a tragedy. We expect drivers to observe the speed limit, and, of course, enforcement is a matter for the police. Last week, I met Richard Parker, the Mayor of the west midlands, to discuss our shared determination to improve road safety.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide additional support or concrete actions.
Acknowledges Concern But Does Not Provide Support
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Paul Kohler Lib Dem
Wimbledon
Context
The questioner congratulates the Secretary of State on recent statements about HS2 and asks for confirmation regarding funding and future plans.
I congratulate the Secretary of State on saying recently that it is ridiculous for HS2 to end at Old Oak Common. Can she confirm whether funding for the work necessary at Euston station has now been secured and what she is doing to reverse the Tories' equally absurd decision to end the northern leg at Birmingham?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his comments. As I said earlier, nowhere is the legacy of the previous Government more pertinent than the mess in which they left HS2. Even under their disgraced plans, Euston was always going to be part of the position on HS2, and we will shortly be making a full announcement about the future of HS2 and, crucially, about its cost controls.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not confirm funding or specific plans.
Acknowledges Plan But Does Not Provide Details
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Mary Glindon Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Context
The previous government was criticized for its handling of the sudden sacking of 800 P&O ferry employees.
I am pleased to hear that the Secretary of State has said that she will prevent another scandal such as the sudden sacking of 800 P&O ferry employees two years ago. Will she please outline what steps she intends to take to stop anything like that ever happening again?
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. The previous Government took two-and-a-half years after the P&O ferry scandal to do nothing. In fewer than 100 days, we are bringing forward legislation that will prevent such a scandal ever happening again, and we are working with operators who employ properly in this space and the trade unions to bring forward protections on rostering as well.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific steps but acknowledged previous government's failure.
Criticises Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The A12 is experiencing severe congestion and delays, impacting growth targets and housing development.
The A12 is the major artery between London and the east coast. It is already busier than most motorways with horrendous congestion and delays. Will the Minister therefore press ahead with the widening scheme which is at an advanced stage without which the Government's projected growth targets and housing targets simply will not be met?
I understand the pressures in relation to the A12 but as the right hon. Member will know, the Secretary of State has announced a review of our Department's capital portfolio that will support the development of our long-term strategy for transport and there is a Budget and a spending review coming up.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct commitment to pressing ahead with the widening scheme
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Lauren Edwards Lab
Rochester and Strood
Context
Eurostar stopped serving Ashford and Ebbsfleet since the pandemic, harming local economies.
Eurostar services have not called at Ashford or Ebbsfleet international rail stations since the pandemic. They will not resume for some years. This has a detrimental impact on businesses and residents in my constituency, more broadly across Medway and Kent. Will the Secretary of State meet me, other interested MPs and representatives from the Kent and Medway economic partnership to discuss options to restore this vital rail service?
I am grateful for my hon. Friend's important question. We share her and her constituents' disappointment in the commercial decision by Eurostar to cease services. We hope to see a reinstatement, either by Eurostar or another operator in the future but I will meet with her, other MPs and local stakeholders to continue discussing this matter.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Clive Jones Lib Dem
Wokingham
Context
Government allocations for local highway authorities have been frozen since 2016, with no new roads funding since 2012.
Government allocations to local highway authorities for road maintenance have been frozen since 2016. My constituency has lost over half its funding. Will the Minister urgently investigate how road maintenance funding can be restored?
There is no greater sign of the failure of the previous Government than the appalling state of our roads. That is why this Government have already committed to supporting local authorities across England to fix up to 1 million extra potholes every year. We will have more to say on this in due course.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when or how road maintenance funding would be restored
Future Plans
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Steve Race Lab
Exeter
Context
Two of Exeter's rail stations are inaccessible due to staircases.
Exeter has a good and well used rail system that is vital for the economic and social success of our city. However, two of our stations—St Thomas and Polsloe Bridge—are accessible only to people who can climb flights of stairs. Will the Minister please update on work being undertaken to ensure the rail network is accessible?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the important issue of accessibility. We are carefully considering the best approach to the Access for All programme. I am afraid that we are not yet able to comment on next steps regarding projects at specific stations; however, ensuring that the rail network is accessible to absolutely everyone is at the heart of our passenger-focused approach and I will speak to him about it further.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to commenting on specific station accessibility projects
Future Plans
Response accuracy
Q12 Direct Answer
Siân Berry Green
Brighton Pavilion
Context
Reviewing capital spending on road building versus supporting local authority active travel.
Has the Minister's capital portfolio review properly considered health, social and equality aspects of value for money? Will it recommend cancelling road building schemes in favour of boosting local authority active travel funding?
The capital review and our assessment of the transport appraisal guidance are absolutely considering how we can capture better the wider implications of transport infrastructure funding. We are committed to working with Active Travel England and ensuring that all investment involves consideration of how we can better promote active travel and public transport use but we are committed to road building as well.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Sojan Joseph Lab
Ashford
Context
Operation Brock was deployed to queue freight lorries heading to Dover, causing disruption in Ashford.
The deployment of Operation Brock caused huge disruption and inconvenience for residents and businesses. Ahead of the EU entry/exit system introduction, will the Government work with French authorities, local authorities, port of Dover, and Eurotunnel to minimise delays and ensure that Operation Brock is used as a last resort?
Both the Secretary of State and I have visited Kent a number of times in recent weeks and months. We meet regularly with our colleagues in the Home Office, Cabinet Office and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to discuss the impacts of the new EU entry/exit system and we will intensify those discussions as we approach the implementation date.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to minimising delays or ensuring Operation Brock is used only as a last resort
Future Plans
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Edward Leigh Con
Gainsborough
Context
Previous Minister promised a through train from Grimsby to London which has not materialised.
The previous Minister promised me and my hon. Friend that he had instructed LNER and Network Rail to ensure we get our through train from Grimsby to London. Will the Minister confirm she will continue those firm instructions and, above all, ensure this train stops? If it does not stop in Market Rasen I am going to lie down on the line.
I do hope that the right hon. Member will not put himself in such danger. We are working with industry to address timetabling, financial, operational and infrastructure issues that need to be resolved before a service between Cleethorpes and London via Market Rasen could be introduced once the east coast main line timetable change has been implemented. We will consider any proposals put forward subject to funding and thorough business case process.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm continuation of instructions for through train service
Future Plans
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Marsha de Cordova Lab
Battersea
Context
Access for All funding was cancelled despite a costed plan being in place.
The last Tory Government cancelled Access for All funding for Battersea Park station despite there being a costed plan. The funding has been promised for more than a decade. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can get this project back on track and make Battersea Park step-free?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who has been campaigning on this issue since the moment she set foot in this House. I would be delighted to meet her to see how we can take forward this important project.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Victoria Collins Lib Dem
Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Context
Local people in Harpenden and Berkhamsted are concerned about the proposed Luton airport expansion to nearly double passenger capacity, which could worsen noise pollution.
Residents in my constituency are already blighted by noise from Luton airport. They are highly concerned about the proposed expansion to almost double passenger capacity. What assessment has the Minister made of the compatibility of this expansion with the views of Government advisers, such as the Climate Change Committee?
Currently, Luton airport is part of a development consent order, on which I cannot comment as a Minister. However, it is important to balance noise concerns with local economic activity.
Assessment & feedback
The compatibility between the planned expansion and the Climate Change Committee's views was not addressed directly.
Cannot Comment On Development Consent Order
Response accuracy
Q17 Direct Answer
Matt Rodda Lab
Reading Central
Context
A tragic rail accident occurred at Paddington station 25 years ago, resulting in the deaths of 31 people and injuring many others.
Twenty-five years ago, two trains collided just west of Paddington station. This was one of the worst rail accidents of recent times. Thirty-one people lost their lives and many more were injured. Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute to all those affected by the Paddington rail crash?
I commend my hon. Friend for his bravery in recently speaking out about his personal involvement in that tragic crash. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington and Bayswater (Joe Powell) and my officials for attending the commemoration last weekend. I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the families of the victims and all heroes who responded on the day.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Luke Taylor Lib Dem
Sutton and Cheam
Context
Services at Worcester Park have been significantly reduced over the past few years, causing issues for local residents and the night-time economy.
Residents in my constituency are concerned about services at Worcester Park. Prices have increased by 20% over five years, and the last train has been brought back from almost 1 am to before midnight. This is throttling London's night-time economy and causing issues for local residents who rely on sustainable transport. Will the Minister explain when we can expect improvements in services following renationalisation?
The hon. Member has outlined exactly the kind of issues that we seek to address through public ownership reforms and the creation of Great British Railways. The Department is already working with operators like Southern to ensure decisions are joined up with Network Rail and start driving improvements immediately.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for service improvements was not provided.
Working With Operators
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
Context
The cross-border taxi trade is undermining high standards set by local taxi companies and black cabs, leading to regulatory concerns.
As a result of poor regulation, the cross-border taxi trade undermines the high standards set by local taxi companies and black cabs. What steps are being taken to improve regulation, and will the Minister meet me to discuss the situation in York?
We are aware of concerns about the current legislative and regulatory framework. We would be delighted to meet her to discuss that further.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to improve regulation were not provided.
Delighted To Meet
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Richard Holden Con
Basildon and Billericay
Context
The previous government introduced a £2 bus fare commitment for five years, which has been a point of discussion in the current political climate.
The previous Government introduced the “get around for £2” bus fare, committed to for five years. Given that—
We are considering the benefits of the £2 bus fare and what steps we will take next. This will form part of the spending review.
Assessment & feedback
Specific future steps were not detailed.
Considering Benefits Spending Review
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Lauren Sullivan Lab
Gravesham
Context
The lower Thames crossing is under review, leading to questions about promoting river transportation like river buses.
While the lower Thames crossing is under review, what steps are being taken to promote river transport crossings such as river buses?
I will ask my officials to look into river buses and write to my hon. Friend after today's session.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for promoting river bus services were not detailed.
Ask My Officials
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
John Glen Con
Salisbury
The A36 is a critical route between Southampton and Bath/Bristol. Given the decision on the A303 tunnel just north of Salisbury, will the appropriate Minister meet me to discuss connectivity and remove the pinch-point on the Southampton Road south of Salisbury on the A36?
I would be very happy to meet the right hon. Member to discuss that.
Assessment & feedback
Specific meeting details were not provided.
Very Happy To Meet
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Daniel Francis Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
Context
The 'Rights on Flights' campaign is working to improve aviation accessibility, particularly for wheelchair users.
I pay tribute to the 'Rights on Flights' campaign for improving aviation accessibility. What steps are being taken to improve this for disabled people?
I met the 'Rights on Flights' campaign early on after becoming Secretary of State. We will set out our plans to address major accessibility issues shortly.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps were not detailed.
Met With Campaign Set Out Plans Shortly
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Wendy Morton Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Context
Funding was ringfenced for a train station in Aldridge by the previous government. There are concerns about this funding's current status and future delivery timeline.
The last Conservative Government ringfenced funding to the West Midlands Combined Authority for the delivery of a train station in Aldridge. Can the Secretary of State confirm that it is proceeding as planned and will be delivered by 2027, or has she signed away our ringfenced funding?
The West Midlands Mayor's plan for bus services across the region are predicated on delivering better services. We will look into where the funding is for the Aldridge train station.
Assessment & feedback
Specific confirmation about 2027 delivery was not provided.
Look Into Funding
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Martin Vickers Con
Brigg and Immingham
Context
The Secretary of State approved a new roll-on, roll-off shipping terminal at Immingham, which could put pressure on the local A180 road network.
I welcome the decision to approve the new roll-on, roll-off shipping terminal at Immingham. However, this will put more pressure on the A180 road network. Will improvements be brought forward for the A180, particularly for concrete surface removal?
I have heard about issues with the A180 from constituents. We will write to him with a National Highways update.
Assessment & feedback
Specific road improvement plans were not detailed.
Write With Update
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Manuela Perteghella Lib Dem
Stratford-on-Avon
Context
The town of Stratford-upon-Avon, a major tourist attraction in the UK, lacks direct train service to London due to capacity issues with Chiltern Railways.
Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most visited locations in the UK, yet for many years we have not had a direct train to the capital. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to fix the lack of capacity in Chiltern Railways so that my constituents and visitors can travel directly and sustainably to and from London?
That sort of service and provision is exactly what the reforms around Great British Railways are designed to address. Decisions around infrastructure and operations will be made together so that we can deliver services that make sense for the hon. Lady's constituents, for visitors and for the economy as a whole.
Assessment & feedback
Steps being taken specifically to fix capacity issues with Chiltern Railways
Reforms Around Great British Railways Are Designed To Address
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Richard Foord Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Context
150 parishes in Devon requested 20 mph zones from the county council, but only six were successful. The unsuccessful requests were told to pursue community self-delivery.
One hundred and fifty parishes in Devon wrote to Devon county council last year asking for 20 mph zones, but only six were successful. Those that were not successful were told that they could pursue the measure through so-called “community self-delivery.” My constituents think, “But this is what we pay our council tax for.” Does the Secretary of State understand that?
I am very grateful for the hon. Gentleman's question. It is absolutely my position that if local residents want to design and support local measures around speeding and road safety, they should be supported to do so by their local authorities.
Assessment & feedback
Supporting local residents through council tax funded services rather than community self-delivery
Supported To Do So By Their Local Authorities
Response accuracy