Railway Infrastructure 2022-05-25
2022-05-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of investment and delays in railway services, especially in Scotland. She references a traumatic incident involving a school in Powys.
What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on railway infrastructure in Wales?
I regularly discuss rail infrastructure in Wales with the Secretary of State for Transport. More than £340 million has already been provided for rail enhancements in Wales, including the core valley lines and Cardiff Central station.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references the establishment of a new public sector body to oversee Britain's railways and highlights issues in Scotland due to the mismanagement of ScotRail by the SNP.
From the Queen's Speech, we learned of a new public sector body to oversee Britain's railways. Given the importance of the railway infrastructure and the benefits of linking north Wales to HS2, can the Secretary of State tell us what discussions the Government have had with devolved Administrations to boost connectivity across the United Kingdom?
The UK Government have been working alongside the Welsh Government where they can on infrastructure projects, particularly those involving rail. We are also spending many millions of pounds on infrastructure more broadly.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on discussions and actions taken to boost connectivity across the UK were not provided
Working Alongside
Many Millions
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights support for the electrification project in north Wales, which would link two enterprise zones.
As my right hon. Friend will know, there is considerable and long-standing support in north Wales for the electrification of the line between Wrexham and Bidston. What discussions has he had with colleagues in the Department for Transport about advancing this project?
The Government recognise the importance of the line to which my right hon. Friend has referred, and I know that Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Transport for Wales have been discussing the opportunities presented by battery-powered trains. We will have further meetings with the Department for Transport about this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on discussions and actions taken to advance the project were not provided
Discussions
Further Meetings
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP mentions the cancellation of Labour's plans for electrification of the line to Swansea, citing concerns about climate change and reliance on imported fossil fuels.
This Government cancelled Labour's plans for electrification of the line to Swansea. Will the Secretary of State talk to his colleagues about reinstating the plans for electrification of that line, extending electrification further west through my constituency to the Pembrokeshire ports?
I agree with her general views about rail infrastructure and net zero. However, the cancellation of electrification was taken in the context of bimodal trains as an equally beneficial alternative.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on reinstatement or extension plans were not provided
Agree With Her General Views
Background To The Cancellation
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the disparity between Wales' share of UK railway infrastructure and investment received. He mentions a denial of £5 billion for Wales through HS2 classification.
Wales contains 11% of the UK's railway infrastructure, but in recent years has received only 1% of the Government's investment. Will the Secretary of State use his position at the Cabinet table to ensure that his Government cough up?
We have invested £340 million so far, with £125 million for the core valley lines, £58 million for Cardiff Central station, and other investments across Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments to increase investment were not provided
Invested £340 Million
Could Go On Forever
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the interdependence between communities in Shropshire and Wales, especially regarding rail services.
We are campaigning in Shropshire for the electrification of the line from Birmingham to Shrewsbury. Will he take an interest in that scheme to ensure that the people of mid-Wales can benefit from quicker times to Birmingham via this electrification process?
I am happy to meet my hon. Friend on that point and see what we can do to help with the campaign for the electrification of the line from Birmingham to Shrewsbury.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or commitments were not provided
Happy To Meet
See What We Can Do
Response accuracy