Rail Infrastructure 2026-01-27
2026-01-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The midlands rail hub project has been funded, doubling the number of trains from Lichfield to Birmingham. However, there is no business case for reopening the Derby-Burton-Lichfield line.
People across Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages are delighted that this Government have funded the midlands rail hub project, meaning a doubling of the number of trains from Lichfield to Birmingham every hour. Ministers could go even further, though, by investigating the reopening of the Derby-Burton-Lichfield line, including a stop in Alrewas for the National Memorial Arboretum. Despite warm words from my predecessor, no business case exists for that. Can the Minister confirm that this Labour Government are not done with investing in transport in the midlands, and will he look again at the Derby-Burton-Lichfield line?
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the value of the midlands rail hub, which we invested in at the spending review. We are determined to invest more in transport in the midlands. Indeed, at the spending review the Government committed to investing £4.4 billion there through transport for city regions funding. My hon. Friend is a great advocate for services that will benefit his constituents, and I will ask the Rail Minister to respond about the specifics of the line that he raises.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to re-examine reopening Derby-Burton-Lichfield line specifically
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
East West Rail is a project that would benefit passengers and the local economy in Norfolk. Trowse swing bridge near Norwich and Ely and Haughley junctions are specific areas needing upgrade.
I welcome the investment the Government have made in rail, including East West Rail, but there are still several projects that would hugely benefit passengers and the local economy in the east. Those include upgrading the Trowse swing bridge near Norwich and, of course, Ely and Haughley junctions. Will the Chief Secretary to the Treasury meet me and other colleagues from the east of England to discuss how we can advance those key infrastructure projects for the region?
East West Rail is a transformational project that will unlock economic growth and housing. Just yesterday, I was glad to host a representative from East West Rail at an infrastructure roundtable at the Treasury with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. My hon. Friend is another powerful advocate for her local area, and I will happily discuss this matter with the Rail Minister and get back to her.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to meet specifically but promises discussion with Rail Minister
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP met Lawrence Bowman, chief executive of South Western Railway. The representative expressed concerns about delays when interacting with local authorities.
Last week I met Lawrence Bowman, the chief executive of South Western Railway. I am keen to make sure that all the Government’s changes take positive effect in Salisbury and south Wiltshire, so that tracks, signal and stock can be improved. Will the Minister make sure that there is a suitable reference board along the commuting line into Waterloo, so that when Lawrence Bowman’s business plan is delivered, there will not be any delays when he has to interact with local authorities—a concern that he raised with me last week?
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising the concerns of the services used by his constituents. I can assure him that I will look into those and get back to him.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment made, only assurance of looking into it
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Tarka Line has seen an increase in footfall but is often closed due to lack of infrastructure maintenance.
The Tarka line in North Devon has seen a massive increase in footfall. However, the line is often closed because of the lack of infrastructure upkeep. Will the Minister meet me to discuss various funding opportunities? It is a rural line that is vital for students to get into Exeter and for people’s job opportunities—I know that the Government are all about job growth.
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: we are all about job growth. I fear I will be quite busy after this set of questions with taking up projects in different constituencies, but that is absolutely right, because we all want to make sure that we have better investment—particularly in transport and infrastructure—for our constituents. I assure him that I will look into the matter and get back in touch with him.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to meeting specifically but promises looking at the issue
Response accuracy