Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

East West Rail Consultation

Thursday 24 June 2021 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The East West Railway Company will consider the 2021 consultation responses.
  • This is a non-statutory consultation where all opinions from people affected will be taken into account.
  • My hon. Friend has encouraged constituents to participate in the recent consultation on environmental considerations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Transport
Context

The 2019 East West Rail consultation is being reviewed for adequacy.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the 2019 East West Rail route consultation?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The East West Railway Company will consider the 2021 consultation responses. The 2019 consultation met open and fair consultation standards.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a recent assessment but stated that the 2019 consultation was adequate.

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Q2 Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford
Transport
Context

The 2019 East West Rail consultation and the 2020 route announcement did not mention necessary tracks or demolition in Bedford.

Question

Why were six tracks needed at Bedford Midland station or consequential demolition mentioned in the 2019 East West Rail consultation and 2020 route announcement, and how will public representations on this matter be considered?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I assure the hon. Gentleman that this is a non-statutory consultation where we really do want to listen to opinions from people affected across the route of East West Rail, and his representations will be taken into account.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specific concerns about track requirements or demolition but stated that public opinion is considered.

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Q3 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Transport Climate Environment
Context

The East West Rail route will cause environmental damage in Bedfordshire and uses outdated fuel.

Question

Why is the East West Rail project using a 19th-century fuel, and will my hon. Friend look again at the environmental considerations undertaken by East West Rail?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

My hon. Friend has encouraged constituents to participate in recent consultation on this issue, and we are committed to decarbonising railways with an environmental impact assessment being conducted as part of the route alignment development work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specifically address the 19th-century fuel use but stated commitment to decarbonisation and ongoing assessments.

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