Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Midlands Rail Hub 2021-03-11

2021-03-11

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Karl McCartney
▸ Context
The midlands rail hub project is part of a broader plan to boost the Midlands Engine region. The question addresses steps being taken to expedite this critical infrastructure development.
What steps his Department is taking to accelerate the midlands rail hub project as part of the midlands engine rail plan.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Department has approved £20 million of funding for the development of an outline business case for the midlands rail hub. We are working closely with Network Rail to apply the principles of Project SPEED to the development of this project to ensure that it can progress as quickly as possible.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Karl McCartney
▸ Context
The rail corridor to Lincoln includes proposals for upgrades, such as signalling improvements at Newark and faster, more frequent train services. These schemes are near-ready and could start this year.
It is good to see you again this morning, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister for his reply. The rail corridor to Lincoln, which the Minister knows well, has a proposed upgrade of signalling at Newark, as well as plans for faster and more frequent trains to my constituency of Lincoln. Some of these schemes are almost shovel-ready and can begin this year. Will my hon. Friend consider these schemes and help Lincoln to receive the train services that my constituents deserve?
Chris Heaton-Harris
Mr Speaker, I think we can both agree that my hon. Friend is a wonder to behold, as he demonstrates to us all that a sensible, coherent campaigning strategy—bringing together people and businesses, and demonstrating the potential economic growth that could result from schemes and infra-jstructure —leads to this Government delivering that infrastructure. One only has to look at the roads around his great city and the direct trains to London for which he has campaigned. Midlands Connect is developing a proposal, as he outlines, and if history is anything to go by, his resourcefulness will help to speed it through the process.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific schemes at Newark were not directly addressed; instead, the Minister praised the MP's campaigning efforts without concrete action or timeline for the proposals.
Praised Campaigning Did Not Address Specifics
Response accuracy