Union Connectivity Review 2022-05-19
2022-05-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Union Connectivity Review by Sir Peter Hendy has made several recommendations regarding the enhancement of rail links across the UK union.
What plans does he have to implement the Union connectivity review's recommendations on rail transport?
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked me to pass on his apologies; he is attending the International Transport Forum annual summit where the UK assumes the presidency. We are carefully considering the recommendations and intend to respond later this year.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or implementation details were not provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The strategic outline business case for improvements in and around Chester station was submitted, but work is still ongoing.
If you want to go from anywhere in Scotland or northern England by train to anywhere in north Wales, chances are you will have to go through Chester. Will the Minister please hurry up with the consideration and get us a positive decision on the electrification of the line from Crewe to Chester, and on the remodelling of Chester station to increase capacity for signalling and passengers?
The strategic outline business case for improvements in and around Chester station was submitted, and it has been reviewed. Work is still ongoing.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or commitment on decision-making was not provided
Work Still Ongoing
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a dispute between the rail unions and TransPennine Express causing significant disruption to services in Lockerbie.
Does the Minister agree with me that the biggest impediment to rail connectivity between Scotland and England is the ongoing dispute between the rail unions and TransPennine Express, which has caused huge disruption to my constituents who use Lockerbie station. Is there anything the Minister can do to bring to an end these unwarranted cancellations and disruptions to services, particularly at the weekend?
I am conscious of the disruption caused by the dispute, which is disappointing. The Government have earmarked more than £16 billion for taxpayer-funded life support for passenger services since the start of the pandemic. We urge the unions to work with TPE to restore rest-day working.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or timeline were not provided
Urging Parties To Negotiate
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
ScotRail pays the highest track access charges of any train operator, making up nearly a quarter of its total costs.
According to a written answer I received yesterday, the now publicly owned ScotRail pays the highest track access charges of any train operator; they are more than double the next highest figure and make up nearly a quarter of the entire total. The charges have increased by over 320% in the last five years. Does the Minister accept that those punitive charges reduce the Scottish Government's capacity to boost even further the substantive investments made in transport decarbonisation, and will she commit to rebating ScotRail and the taxpayers of Scotland for those unjustifiable and exorbitant charges?
These are charges that all train operating companies pay. This Government have invested £96 billion in the railways, including the integrated rail plan.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to rebating or addressing high track access charges was not provided
Changing Subject
Response accuracy