Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

North Cotswold Line

Thursday 28 January 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • An updated strategic outline business case for improvements to the North Cotswold line is due to be resubmitted by the North Cotswold Line Taskforce.
  • The Department and Network Rail will continue to work with the taskforce on its proposals.
  • The North Cotswold line has experienced a renaissance over the past decade.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Transport
Context

The question stems from the assessment of potential improvements to a rail service that is currently single-track in many places, affecting major cities like Worcester and Hereford.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential merits of additional improvements to the North Cotswold line?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

An updated strategic outline business case for improvements to the North Cotswold line is due to be resubmitted by the North Cotswold Line Taskforce.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The assessment of merits was not provided, only a statement about an upcoming submission.

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Q2 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Transport
Context

The question follows up on the initial query about assessing rail improvements, emphasizing the need to redouble some single-track sections and highlighting the taskforce's work.

Question

People are astonished by the condition of the line from London to Worcester and Hereford that is often single-track. The North Cotswold Line Taskforce has proposed redoubling parts of this track. Will the Minister closely examine these suggestions and support local councils contributing to the project development phase?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The Department and Network Rail will continue to work with the taskforce on its proposals. I recognise that the line has experienced a renaissance over the past decade, and the taskforce is keen to build on that. I know that my hon. Friend's desire for improvement is shared by many of my colleagues, not least the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Robert Courts).

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister acknowledged support and collaboration but did not provide a direct commitment to specific proposals or timeline.

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