Reopening Railway Lines and Stations 2022-06-30
2022-06-30
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about progress made in reopening closed railway lines and stations.
What recent progress has been made on reopening closed railway lines and stations?
Through the £500 million Restoring Your Railway fund we have already reopened the Dartmoor line, and we are supporting more than 45 other promising schemes. This month we announced £15 million to further develop nine schemes to level up areas and grow the economy.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The MP seeks clarity on the status of the Maid Marian line project, which was previously announced and then postponed.
Will the Minister please confirm exactly where we are with the Maid Marian line to avoid further embarrassment for the council leader?
I am happy to give the clarity that my hon. Friend is seeking. Although the bid to reopen the Maid Marian line to passenger services was unsuccessful as part of the Restoring Your Railways programme, I want to be absolutely clear that the case will now be considered under the remit of the Toton study.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The MP asks about rail improvements and the possibility of reopening a line from Stoke to Leek via Milton.
Will the Minister confirm that this Government are determined to deliver rail improvements to Stoke-on-Trent North, including reopening the line from Stoke to Leek via Milton?
My hon. Friend rightly highlights the importance and the benefits of good rail connections to levelling up. He will know that the Stoke-Leek line has successfully secured initial development funding of up to £50,000, and we will be working with the scheme's promoters to develop a full business case so that a decision can be made later this year.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The MP asks if property from the rail sector can be made available near the George Hotel in Huddersfield to support the creation of a new rugby league museum.
Will she take seriously making some property from the rail sector available in Huddersfield close to the George Hotel, where we desperately need the perfect site for the rugby league museum?
The hon. Gentleman raises a specific point in his constituency. I would be more than happy to look into it and respond to him.
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Q5
Partial Answer
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The MP is pleased about the Barrow Hill line reaching the next stage of review but asks for consideration of a tram train service.
Will she look again at the idea of a tram train, following the successful service between Sheffield and Rotherham, which would go into the centre of Sheffield and have real connectivity there?
I am glad that the hon. Gentleman recognises the step forward with the Barrow Hill line, and I will certainly look at the issue he raises in advance of our meeting.
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The MP seeks a meeting to consider the establishment of a new railway station in St Athan, previously excluded from the Welsh Government's programme.
Will the Minister agree to meet me again so that we can consider how we can best take this project forward?
I am happy to meet my right hon. Friend.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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The MP has had meetings with the Secretary of State to discuss the reopening of the Rhondda tunnel.
Can they please sort out the Rhondda tunnel so that we can open it up?
Mr Deputy Speaker—sorry, Mr Speaker. The hon. Gentleman knows that it is a matter for the Welsh Government. I have had a meeting with him, and I am more than happy to have another meeting with him, but it is time that the Welsh Government put some money forward.
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Rhondda tunnel reopening
Blame The Welsh Government
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Q8
Partial Answer
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The MP discusses the Tisbury loop arrangement and seeks an update on proposed actions to improve services.
Can she update the House on what she proposes to do about this, since for the expenditure of very little money, she could dramatically improve services between Waterloo and Exeter?
I know that my right hon. Friend has raised this matter before, and I will be happy to give him a written update on the Tisbury loop.
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