Topical Questions 2026-02-12
2026-02-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The government is moving forward with landmark legislation to set up Great British Railways, nationalising eight train operators. The community in Blackness is concerned about potential negative impacts of the Edinburgh airport airspace plans on their village.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities regarding rail connectivity improvements and meeting concerns raised by constituents over potential noise and emissions impacts from modernised flightpaths for Edinburgh airport.
I will ask my hon. Friend the Minister for Aviation to meet my hon. Friend to discuss her concerns, as I appreciate that this is a sensitive issue for many people. Airspace modernisation will provide huge benefits for air passengers, businesses and the UK economy, and the move to more efficient flight paths will be done in such a way as to ensure that any impacts on local communities are properly managed.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask of meeting constituents was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the case of bus driver Mark Hehir who was praised by police for stopping a thief but subsequently sacked. The number of British Transport Police officers is also being questioned.
Passengers want safe and reliable journeys, and those who work on our public transport system deserve to be safe at work, especially when they do the right thing in difficult circumstances. However, bus driver Mark Hehir, praised by police for stopping a thief, was sacked. Has the Secretary of State or anyone from the Department met him? What are the most recent British Transport Police figures?
I am aware of that case from media reports. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman is aware that it is a matter for the employer, Metroline. I understand that the case was taken to an employment tribunal where the employer's decision was upheld. The number of officers is in the region of 2,800.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about representation on behalf of Mark Hehir was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The case of bus driver Mark Hehir who stopped a thief but was sacked, highlighting issues with the current system. The number of British Transport Police officers has decreased.
Nobody from the Department for Transport has reached out to a heroic bus driver, and the Secretary of State is clearly not really paying attention to officer numbers either, because they are down by 112. What are the most recent British Transport police figures?
I can tell him that there has been a slight decrease from 2,910 to 2,852 full-time equivalents in the last year. BTP has recently been given a 15% increase to its budget, worth £63 million over the three-year settlement. That will see over 200 more police officers recruited, including for a dedicated capability to tackle violence and intimidation against women and girls.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about leniency of sentencing was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Car insurance premiums are rising, with some quotes reaching £3,000 and £5,000. This is affecting the ability of young people to drive.
Soaring car insurance costs are pricing young people off the roads. One constituent was recently quoted £3,000 and another £5,000. What are the Government doing to bring down the cost of driving and make insurance affordable for young people again?
We published the motor insurance taskforce report in December, highlighting the actions being taken to tackle claims costs and, ultimately, to help reduce motorists' premiums. We are consulting on a minimum learning period for learner drivers which may help to reduce premiums if the number of collisions involving young and novice drivers falls.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment was made regarding affordability or reducing costs
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's third cycling and walking investment strategy is criticised for not being bold or measurable enough. There is a call from over 40 organisations for more ambitious targets.
The Government have big ambitions for active travel, but their targets in the third cycling and walking investment strategy are neither bold nor measurable. Over 40 organisations, including some Labour mayoral authorities, have called for a target of 50% of short urban journeys being walked, wheeled or cycled by 2030, as well as planning for a national active travel network. What does the Secretary of State say in response?
We consulted on the third cycling and walking investment strategy. That consultation closed in December and we are carefully considering all the representations that have been made. We will publish the final strategy in the spring.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific response or commitment to targets was provided, only a timeline for publishing the strategy
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Lumo's new Stirling to London Euston service will start stopping at Greenfaulds station, bringing a direct service to Cumbernauld.
Cumbernauld will get its first direct service to London in the spring when Lumo's new Stirling to London Euston service starts stopping at Greenfaulds station. How will the Department ensure that rail reform allows communities such as mine to continue to benefit from open access services?
The Department's position on open access is clear: there will be a place for it in the reformed rail sector where it adds value. Great British Railways will oversee a rail network that delivers better services for passengers, and we know that there is a role for open access in supporting that aim.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or mechanism was provided to ensure Cumbernauld's benefits from the reform.
Under Review
Considering
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in Chelmsford have complained about the poor state of roads such as Oaklands Crescent and Dorset Avenue.
Over the weekend, I saw the appalling state of roads in my Chelmsford constituency, such as Oaklands Crescent and Dorset Avenue. Does the Secretary of State agree that patching potholes is a waste of public funds?
We have established an accountability and transparency framework for local authorities, under which they need to report proactive resurfacing. The Government are determined to work with local authorities to ensure contractors get it right the first time.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitments were made regarding reducing waste of public funds in road maintenance.
Under Review
Considering
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in Tamworth and Lichfield face significant disruption due to HS2 works on the A38.
Residents in my constituency have faced years of disruption from High Speed 2. Upcoming works include an 11-day closure at Swinfen interchange and a year-long closure of the northbound slip road at Streethay. Will the Secretary of State outline when these works will be completed? What assurances can be given that the disruption will be minimised?
HS2 works very closely with highways authorities to minimise impacts. The 11-day closure of the A38 at Swinfen interchange will avoid six months of repeated full-weekend closures.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or assurance was given regarding minimising disruption.
Under Review
Considering
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Peat-affected roads in Cambridgeshire cost up to four times more to repair than others due to geological conditions.
The B1050 between Earith and Willingham is one of many peat-affected roads in Cambridgeshire. These roads cost up to four times more to repair, and repairs last just a fraction of the time. The funding formula for highways maintenance does not account for geological conditions. What will the Secretary of State do about this?
I will raise the hon. Member's point with the Roads Minister, and we will come back to him.
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Assessment & feedback
The question was about addressing peat-affected roads specifically, but no action or commitment was made.
Will Raise
Come Back
Response accuracy
Q10
Direct Answer
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Context
Network Rail has apologised for failing to deliver a functional Sunderland station after refurbishment.
Network Rail has rightly apologised for its failure to deliver a functional Sunderland station following refurbishment. Will the Secretary of State join me in asking Northern Rail to get on with delivering improvements, and will she arrange a meeting with the Rail Minister to discuss that?
I am happy to arrange that meeting. I want Sunderland station to be at the heart of a vibrant community, and I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his campaigning on the issue.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in Newton Abbot are facing traffic hell due to roadworks on the A382.
Roadworks in my constituency are causing traffic hell. The county council is powerless to cause utilities companies to cooperate and coordinate their work. What does the Secretary of State suggest I say to my residents?
The Government have doubled fines for local authorities when works overrun. We recognise how disruptive these works are and take them seriously.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific advice was given to residents about their immediate concerns.
Under Review
Considering
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The last Government cut bus services in Loughborough by half.
My community's bus services were cut by half. This government is putting more money into local communities, but we need more bus services, particularly in rural areas. Will the Minister set out how we are going to improve local bus services with franchising?
We are working closely with local authorities interested in franchising to identify models that work. We are funding bus franchising pilots to test five different models for delivering better services, particularly in rural locations.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific plans were outlined for Loughborough specifically.
Under Review
Considering
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Despite being close to London, Woking residents cannot use tap-in, tap-out technology for commuting.
My constituents cannot use tap-in, tap-out technology to commute despite the proximity to London. Will the Transport Secretary agree to back a Liberal Democrat amendment to roll out this infrastructure across the country?
We are expanding the pay-as-you-go system with tap-in, tap-out technology at further stations. I am happy to talk about a further tranche beyond that.
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Assessment & feedback
No clear commitment was given for Woking specifically.
Under Review
Considering
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Weymouth train station lacks a working toilet, impacting wheelchair users and those with heavy luggage. The nearest toilet is 20 minutes away.
I will keep it short and sweet, Mr Speaker. Weymouth train station does not have a working toilet, which means that wheelchair users, passengers with heavy luggage and parents with a pram are left having to go 20 minutes to get to the nearest toilet. Will the Secretary of State work constructively with South Western Railway to finally get a working toilet at Weymouth train station?
I understand that the public toilets in Weymouth station have been closed for several years, due to antisocial behaviour and vandalism. That is unacceptable, and I can assure my hon. Friend that my Department will raise it with South Western Railway.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on working toilet installation avoided
Acknowledges Issue
No Concrete Action
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
18 constituents faced unacceptable delays in getting responses from the DVLA about medical team reviews, with each case resolved only after MP intervention.
In the past seven months, I have been contacted by 18 constituents who have faced unacceptable delays in getting responses from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency about licensing issues where a review by the medical team is required. Each time I have intervened and each time the issue has been resolved, but it is not the mark of a functioning system that an MP has to intervene in every complaint to get a response. What will the Secretary of State do to ensure that constituents can get a response from the DVLA without having to mobilise their MP every time?
The hon. Lady is right to raise this issue. I have been in contact with the DVLA about this matter; it is putting new systems in place to ensure that it is doing everything that it can, as standard, to process these cases as quickly as possible. In the meantime, I have been keen to ensure that there is an escalation mechanism.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or action plan not provided
System Improvement
No Specific Date
Response accuracy
Q16
Direct Answer
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Context
Conservative-led Staffordshire County Council cut bus services by 41%, affecting economic growth.
We on the Labour Benches know that effective bus services are key to economic growth. Unfortunately, when Staffordshire county council was run by the Conservatives, it sought to cut bus services in my county by 41%. One of those was a direct service from the train station to Staffordshire technology park. Does the Minister agree that investing in our bus services is key to growing our towns economically?
Yes—my hon. Friend is absolutely right. We are giving local authorities the powers and funding, and we expect local authorities to use them.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
Bus service funding cut by £2.5 million, leading to increased fares of £400 per year for students.
On a recent visit to St Richard's Catholic college in my constituency, students told me that they face paying an astonishing extra £400 a year in bus fares. How can the Minister justify to those students and others in my constituency the cutting of our bus service funding by £2.5 million?
I do not know the detail of the position in the hon. Member's constituency, but I will ensure that the Minister responsible for bus services writes to him in relation to that issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific justification or solution not provided
Write To Minister
No Direct Answer
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
Cornwall's economic growth is hindered by poor transport links, including rail and airport.
This Government have already invested millions in the future of Cornish industries but they are held back by poor transport links. Our rail link is struggling, and our airport is fragile. Will the Secretary of State confirm that she is committed to transport improvement in Cornwall through Devon?
My hon. Friend makes a really important point. I am due to meet her and colleagues soon to discuss the resilience of the rail network, among other matters.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on transport improvements avoided
Meeting Planned
No Specific Action
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
North Powerhouse Rail announcement did not include any funds for anywhere in the whole of Lancashire.
The Secretary of State mentioned the Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement and I am sure that it will not have evaded your attention, Mr Speaker, as it did not evade mine, that there was not a single penny for anywhere in the whole of Lancashire in that announcement. Can the Secretary of State update me on whether she has made any progress in identifying a funding pot or stream from which the south Fylde passing loop could be financed?
Improving connections between the great cities of the north of England—making those connections into Liverpool and Manchester better—will have a knock-on impact on the whole region. If the hon. Gentleman wants to write to me about the south Fylde line, in particular, I will come back to him.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding not addressed
General Statement
Write For Further Information
Response accuracy
Q20
Direct Answer
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Context
Local people signed a petition so that Mansewood and Hillpark residents are not left cut off due to potential bus route cuts.
The 29 bus route in Glasgow is being cut without consultation, and local people have signed my petition so that people in Mansewood and Hillpark are not left potentially cut off. Will the Minister join me in calling on the Scottish Government and Glasgow city council to do everything they can to protect that route?
Yes, I will.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
The coastguard treats volunteers as volunteers, but the Court of Appeal has disagreed and said they are workers.
Hard-working men and women in the coastguard, such as Bembridge resident Martin Groom, do vital work securing our borders, including, in some cases, intercepting small boats. The coastguard treats them as volunteers, but the Court of Appeal has disagreed and said that they are workers. Will the Government do the right thing and afford them all the rights, protections and fair payment that their worker status entails? The security of our nation relies on them.
The Government are currently considering the judgment handed down in the Groom case and the next steps that we will take with His Majesty's Coastguard. In the meantime, we are grateful for the contribution of volunteers across wider society.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific worker status rights not addressed
Considering Judgment
Volunteer Appreciation
Response accuracy
Q22
Direct Answer
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Context
Conservative-controlled council claims seventh best roads ranking, but DFT data shows an amber rating.
Last month, my Conservative-controlled council in the London borough of Bexley issued a press release stating that DFT data showed that it has the seventh best roads in England. Will the Secretary of State confirm that the data shows that it has an amber rating and does not say that it has the seventh best roads in England?
I am very happy to clarify that that is a disingenuous claim, at best, from Conservative-controlled Bexley council. The Government did not publish a ranked list of authorities, but it is clear that, of the many councils that achieved a green rating overall, Bexley was not one—it was ranked amber.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
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Context
The Isles of Scilly is not eligible for a local transport grant, leading to high costs for constituents traveling off-island. The Secretary of State has announced meetings with Members from Cornwall.
I am concerned about the transportation issues faced by my constituents on the Isles of Scilly who cannot access a local transport grant and have to pay £120 return for attending medical appointments off-islands. Will the Secretary of State ensure that her upcoming meeting in Cornwall is cross-party so I can raise these serious transport problems?
The hon. Member is right to raise these transportation issues and I would appreciate if he wrote to the Secretary of State about them. The Rail Minister will meet with the leader of the council of the Isles of Scilly to discuss further the issues being campaigned on.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for a cross-party meeting was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy