Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Connections: North of England

Thursday 3 December 2020 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister announced improvements to rail connections in the north of England, phasing out Pacer trains.
  • Funding was approved for line speed enhancement on the north Wales coast line.
  • Minister will meet to discuss railway line and freight terminal projects.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andy Carter
Transport
Context

No specific event or statistic is mentioned, but the question aims to inquire about steps taken by the Department for improving rail connections.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to improve rail connections in the north of England?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

Last week was the dawn of a new era for transport in the north of England. The Pacer trains—the final call as this rusty and knackered rolling stock is consigned to history, allowing passengers to enjoy a brand-new fleet of trains, creating a more reliable network across the north.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps taken by the Department were not detailed. Instead, focus was on the removal of Pacer trains and introduction of new ones.

How: Changed Subject

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Q2 Rob Roberts
Transport
Context

The question refers to the importance of cross-border trade and employment between the north-west of England and north-east Wales. The question also mentions improvements at Chester station and electrification of the north Wales coast line.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is vital we keep up the strong links through improvements at the main connecting stations of Chester and Crewe and, crucially, electrification of the north Wales coast line?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

My hon. Friend makes a very important point. Earlier this year, we approved funding for the progression of a line speed enhancement scheme for the north Wales coast line. In addition to ongoing work to develop the Crewe hub, my officials are working closely with Cheshire West and Chester Council on developing the business case for improvements at Chester station.

Answered
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Q3 Sara Britcliffe
Transport
Context

The MP has been working on reopening the railway line between Skipton and Colne, along with plans for a freight terminal. The question aims to discuss the progression of these projects.

Question

Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss the progression of the railway line and freight terminal, and will he look again at supporting an engineering study for the project?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

Indeed. I thank my hon. Friend for her continued and tireless campaigning on this matter. Given that my constituency of Pendle will, as you have identified, Mr Speaker, be one of those that most benefit from the reopening of the Colne-Skipton line, I will recuse myself from commenting directly on the scheme, but I know she has met my hon. Friend the rail Minister, who continues to consider the proposals carefully.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Direct response about meeting was not given.

How: Recusal

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Q4 Andy Carter
Transport
Context

The MP inquires about the Government's route decisions for Northern Powerhouse Rail, specifically if an interchange at Warrington Bank Quay station will be included.

Question

Will my hon. Friend confirm that any route decisions will include an interchange at Warrington Bank Quay station, creating a hub site between Northern Powerhouse Rail and the west coast main line?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

We are currently considering the formal advice from Transport for the North on its preferred way to proceed with Northern Powerhouse Rail following the board meeting last week, and we will respond shortly. We are also awaiting advice from the National Infrastructure Commission on rail investment across the north of England.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans or confirmation for an interchange at Warrington Bank Quay station were not provided.

How: Awaiting Further Information

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Q5 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Transport
Context

The MP raises concerns about rail upgrades that now clash with the Government's new Christmas guidance, which may lead to increased demand for travel by train. The question aims to inquire if there are measures in place to avoid disruption.

Question

Can the Minister reassure the House that there will be no Christmas chaos on our railways?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

This is something we are acutely aware of. We have already taken swift and decisive action to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum, and I and my fellow Ministers continue to work to ensure as smooth as possible a rail system during the festive period.

Answered
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