Strengthening the Union 2022-03-16
2022-03-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from ongoing discussions and initiatives aimed at improving Union connectivity between different parts of the UK.
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on strengthening Union connectivity?
I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues on improving Union connectivity and recently met Baroness Vere to discuss the final report of the Union connectivity review. I look forward to meeting the new Scottish Government Transport Minister, Jenny Gilruth, in the near future to discuss shared transport priorities.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The proposal to extend the Borders railway through Longtown in Neil Hudson's constituency and on to Carlisle has been under consideration for a long time, aiming to improve connectivity, benefit local communities and boost the economy.
Does my hon. Friend agree that it is essential that the UK and Scottish Governments work together and with local authorities to prioritise the delivery of this project, which would benefit local residents and businesses and strengthen our precious Union?
I completely agree with my hon. Friend that we need to work together on this project, which will be of benefit to his constituents and the whole country. I regret that the project has not had the priority we would like to see in the Scottish Government's strategic transport projects review 2, but we will continue to work with the Scottish Government and see how we can best support it. We have committed to the next stage of the project, and I hope the Scottish Government do, too.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline or commitment for prioritising the extension was not given.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a concern about the expenditure on projects that do not materialise, such as the impossible bridge across Beaufort's Dyke.
On strengthening Union connectivity, can the Minister advise the House on what happened to the impossible bridge across Beaufort's Dyke? What kind of money was spent on something that never happened and did not connect the Union?
I can tell the hon. Gentleman that it is right that we look at all possible transport links. He mocks, but if he looks at what the Scottish Government are proposing, they are looking at fixed tunnels linking parts of Scotland together. In the Union connectivity review, we are looking at strengthening.
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Assessment & feedback
Details about expenditure and progress related to the project across Beaufort's Dyke were not provided.
Mocking
Changing Subject
Response accuracy