Modernisation of the Railway 2022-06-30
2022-06-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the government's efforts to improve rail services.
What steps he is taking to modernise the UK's railways?
The Government are delivering on the reforms set out in the Williams-Shapps plan for rail, making passengers' journeys easier, more reliable and more affordable.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timeline of modernisation initiatives not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern about the progress of a project to double services on the South Fylde line.
What assurance can the Secretary of State give me that we will see similar progress on the South Fylde line?
I think the whole House recognises my hon. Friend's enthusiasm for the South Fylde line. We received the strategic outline business case in November 2021, we continue to review that and the next steps will be outlined in the coming months.
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Assessment & feedback
Next steps timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP mentioned the importance of transport links for an international event in Eastbourne.
What progress has been made with Network Rail's proposals to extend high-speed services to Eastbourne?
My hon. Friend serves her constituents incredibly well. Again, a strategic outline business plan for high-speed services from St Pancras to Eastbourne is in, and I can confirm that the status of the project will be updated very shortly, in the rail network enhancements pipeline—RNEP.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or progress details not provided
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the fast-growing population and recent developments in Cambridge, questioning Treasury's stance on rail projects.
What representations has the Secretary of State made to the Treasury about rail developments in the region?
Or course we have a record investment in the railway—nobody can argue with that; I believe the figure is £34 billion for developments. We will be publishing the RNEP shortly, and the hon. Gentleman will be able to see more in that—that is without even mentioning the £96 billion, not in his region, but for the midlands and north through the integrated rail plan.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific representation details or timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about underfunding of Welsh railways compared to track levels.
Will the Secretary of State set out when he is going to start investing in the railway lines right across Wales?
I am passionate about rail, including in Wales. I will be announcing more in the RNEP, and the hon. Gentleman will not have to wait too long for that. I think he can see that, as I have already pointed out to the House, the Department for Transport has a lot of success in its discussions with the Treasury, which is how we have managed to invest record amounts in rail under this Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific investment timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the Transport Secretary's involvement and commitment to resolving rail disputes.
Can he explain to the British public why on the eve of last week's strikes he found time to wine and dine Tory donors, but still cannot find a single second to resolve these disputes?
I think that I have actually just discovered the root of the hon. Lady's accusation that I am a part-time Transport Secretary. Just to correct the record—and I will give her the opportunity to withdraw her remarks—I can tell her that I was not, in fact, at the event that she mentions. I am full-time on this job.
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Assessment & feedback
Explanation of prioritization or dispute resolution efforts
Correcting Accusations
Personal Defence
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the high track access charges for ScotRail compared to Northern Rail.
Can the Secretary of State explain in detail why ScotRail, running broadly similar services by distance travelled, had to fork out £340 million versus Northern Rail's £150 million?
The one thing I would say is that ScotRail has been run latterly by the Scottish Government. The amount of delays even before that was extremely high. The disputes that have taken place, despite ScotRail being taken into public hands by the SNP, have been particularly pronounced.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for charge discrepancy not provided
Response accuracy