Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Investment in the North: Levelling Up

Thursday 4 November 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 Government are committed to supporting local leaders' aspirations across West Yorkshire and continue to examine evidence for building a new station in Bradford.
  • The Government are investing 29 billion in northern transport since 2010, including over 1 billion for Greater Manchester, over 830 million for West Yorkshire, and 570 million for South Yorkshire.
  • The Minister will continue to work with constituents and lobby Secretary of State and Rail Minister regarding local transport schemes, supporting local aspirations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East
Transport
Context

The question is prompted by concerns over the potential impact of rail policy on economic levelling up, specifically regarding Northern Powerhouse Rail plans.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the potential effect of policies on rail investment in the north? Building Northern Powerhouse Rail with a Bradford city centre stop will transform the local economy and attract jobs. Will the Minister commit to these plans or admit that there is no intention to deliver real change?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The Government are committed to supporting local leaders' aspirations across West Yorkshire. We continue to examine evidence for building a new station in Bradford. Decisions will be outlined in the integrated rail plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to building a new station in Bradford was not explicitly confirmed or denied

How: Looking At This

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Q2 Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East
Transport
Context

The question is prompted by concerns about the lack of clarity on Government's rail investment plans, particularly regarding Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Question

Thoughts and prayers are with those affected by Salisbury train collision. Budget left northern leaders bemused; no mention of Northern Powerhouse Rail, HS2 eastern leg or Midlands Rail Hub. Lack of ambition for the north. How did this happen?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The Government are investing £29 billion in northern transport since 2010. The Budget announced over £1 billion for Greater Manchester, over £830 million for West Yorkshire and £570 million for South Yorkshire. Integrated rail plan is coming soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific reasons for lack of clarity in investment plans or prioritisation decisions

How: Under Review

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Q3 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Transport
Context

The question is prompted by recent investments in feasibility work for Ferryhill station and concerns about the knock-back of the Leamside line project.

Question

Welcomes investment in Ferryhill station but disappointed with Leamside line rejection. Will Minister work to get Leamside line into integrated rail plan? Does knocking back the Leamside line impact Ferryhill project?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The Minister will continue to work with constituents and lobby Secretary of State and Rail Minister regarding local transport schemes. Supports local aspirations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit specifically to working on funding streams for Leamside line or its impact on Ferryhill project

How: Working With Partners

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