Closed Rail Lines Restoration 2022-02-03
2022-02-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is advocating for the restoration of a rail line connecting Southport with Preston and up to Glasgow, arguing it should be a priority for demonstrating regional equality and connectivity.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that restoring the Burscough Curves link would connect all regions of the United Kingdom?
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend—and, it seems, yourself, Mr Speaker—that it would be a great idea. My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for the people of Southport. I know he applied unsuccessfully for the first round of restoring your railway fund money, but I am very committed to working with him on that.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges the idea and expresses commitment without providing specific timeline or funding details.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is interested in updates on a specific railway project, the Rawtenstall to Manchester line, which would significantly benefit her constituents in Haslingden. She also queries the status of another project involving Skipton and Colne.
Will the Secretary of State provide an update on the Skipton to Colne railway line?
I certainly can. Regarding the Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership—or SELRAP—and the rail link between Skipton and Colne, I appreciate my hon. Friend's unstinting support for the scheme and will set out our position on the projects in the rail enhancement portfolio very soon.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges the query but does not provide a specific update or timeline.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP celebrates the reopening of a rail line in Scotland and questions why similar progress has not been made in England, suggesting that glacial progress is hindering growth.
Does he agree that glacial progress on reconnecting communities in England to the national rail network is hindering growth?
No, I do not agree. It has taken 50 years for a UK Government to come along and reopen the lines that were closed under Beeching and successive Governments. We are the ones reversing that and paying to reverse it, and Britain is proud of that.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP suggests that the Government's record on reopening old lines is lacking compared to its commitment, especially in Yorkshire. He references a significant railway anniversary and asks for reassessment of the situation.
If we are serious about marking the anniversary and bringing the old lines back into use, will he look again at Yorkshire?
Huddersfield massively benefits from the £96 billion plan—the biggest plan that any Government have ever announced on railway funding. By the way, it is bigger than the plan that President Biden just announced for railways in his package, even though the United States has a population that is five times bigger than ours.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids addressing Yorkshire specifically and instead focuses on national funding initiatives.
Response accuracy