Rail Connections North of England 2021-01-28

2021-01-28

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The MP questioned the Department's actions regarding rail improvements in the northern region.
What steps is his Department taking to improve rail connections in the north of England?
Last year, we took control of the Northern rail franchise to deliver better and more punctual services. We announced £589 million to kick-start the Trans-Pennine route upgrade, and we continue to invest in improving Leeds station. This month, we have launched a consultation to address the Manchester bottleneck, and on Saturday we announced £34 for the initial work on reopening the Northumberland line.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Alec Shelbrooke Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Context
The MP asked for an update on step-free access improvements at Garforth station, which he has campaigned on for years.
I welcome my hon. Friend's commitment to rail in the north. Will he give me and my constituents an update on step-free access at Garforth station, which I have been campaigning on for many years?
My right hon. Friend has been a tireless champion for the much-needed improvements at Garforth station, to make it safer for all passengers, especially those with restricted mobility or those with pushchairs. I share his frustration at the length of time it has taken to deliver the improvements that he has secured for his constituents, and we will seek an update on timescales from Network Rail.
Assessment & feedback
specific commitment or timeline
Seeking An Update
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
The MP questioned reports in the local press about High Speed 2's eastern leg being scrapped and its impact on rail ambitions for northern England.
It is concerning to see, in the local press at least, incredibly negative and biased reporting that the High Speed 2 eastern leg is to be scrapped. Will my hon. Friend confirm whether those reports are true? If so, how does that fit in with his longer-term ambition to improve rail connections in the north?
My hon. Friend frequently raises his constituents' concerns, particularly about the Calder Valley line and the need for improvements in local services. He is completely right to raise the importance of major rail infrastructure projects such as the eastern leg of HS2. We are committed to building HS2 phase 2b and to enabling the east midlands, Yorkshire and the north-east to reap the benefits of high-speed rail services. We aim to publish the integrated rail plan early this year, which will set out our plans covering the eastern leg.
Assessment & feedback
confirmation on scrapping reports
Importance Of Projects Commitment To Hs2
Response accuracy