Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

East-west Rail Connections: North England

Thursday 16 December 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

  • Kevin Hollinrake asked about steps to improve east-west rail connections in North England.
  • The Minister highlighted the Northern Powerhouse Rail project as a key initiative for enhancing rail connections and levelling up the region.
  • Hollinrake suggested improving direct rail connections between Bradford and Manchester without major budget increases.
  • The Minister praised Hollinrake's advocacy for his constituents and region and offered to meet to discuss future rail investment possibilities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Transport
Context

The question follows an initial inquiry about steps to improve east-west rail connections. There are no specific events or statistics provided as background.

Question

What steps he is taking to help improve east-west rail connections in the north of England?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The Northern Powerhouse Rail project will deliver real benefits for passengers and communities, enhancing journeys and levelling up for a growing population.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Steps being taken to improve east-west rail connections specifically

How: Levelling Up, Real Benefits

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Q2 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Transport
Context

The MP acknowledges the integrated rail plan's benefits but highlights a specific need for better connections between Bradford and Manchester, suggesting this can be achieved within the existing £96 billion budget.

Question

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. The integrated rail plan contains many good things, but a significant improvement would be an improved direct connection between Bradford and Manchester. There are ways to do it without significantly increasing the overall £96 billion budget. Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss the opportunities?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

My hon. Friend is a brilliant champion for his constituents, his region and the whole north of England. The integrated rail plan was designed to deliver improvements to Bradford sooner, but I am of course happy to meet him to discuss possible future investment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on improving direct connections between Bradford and Manchester within budget constraints

How: Brilliant Champion, Possible Future Investment

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