Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Union Connectivity Review

Wednesday 10 March 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister had regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on transport connectivity in Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom.
  • Improving connectivity across the entire United Kingdom will boost tourism opportunities for both Scotland and Wales.
  • Minister expressed frustration over the SNP Scottish Government's lack of engagement with the connectivity review, which could advance cross-border transport projects.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Transport Scotland
Context

The Union connectivity review aims to improve transport links across the United Kingdom.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the Union connectivity review?

Answer from Alister Jack

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on transport connectivity in Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom. I welcome Sir Peter's interim report and I look forward to his final report in the summer.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific recent discussions not detailed, only general statement given

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Q2 Rob Roberts
Transport Scotland Wales
Context

The questioner highlights the importance of improving transport infrastructure for both business and tourism.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that taking steps such as electrifying the north Wales coast line and improving links with north-west England will boost tourism opportunities for Scotland and Wales?

Answer from Alister Jack

Mr Speaker, why should I not just completely agree? Improving connectivity across the entire United Kingdom, including through the north-west of England, will boost tourism opportunities for both Scotland and Wales.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitments or timelines given

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Q3 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Transport Scotland
Context

The SNP Scottish Government are not engaging with the connectivity review which could impact crucial cross-border projects.

Question

Does he share my frustration that the SNP Scottish Government are failing to engage with the connectivity review, which could be an opportunity to accelerate cross-border transport projects such as the Borders Railway extension and A1 improvements?

Answer from Alister Jack

I share my hon. Friend's frustration, I really do. This review is part of our levelling-up agenda to improve the national infrastructure and create jobs and prosperity, and I think it is pathetic of the Scottish nationalist Government not to have engaged just because it is a “Union” connectivity review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific actions or commitments given to address engagement issue

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Q4 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Economy Transport Scotland
Context

The questioner emphasizes the importance of cross-border projects for regional economies.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that extending the Borders Railway to Carlisle would be a great boost to both the north of England and south of Scotland? Does he also agree that this would provide economic opportunities?

Answer from Alister Jack

I agree with my hon. Friend, and I hope he will be aware that next week we are signing the full borderlands growth deal, which will include funding for the feasibility study into reopening the Borders Railway link between Carlisle and Tweedbank.

Answered
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