Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Services: Yorkshire

Thursday 3 February 2022 · 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

  • Government committed to improving rail services across the north of England with a 96 billion investment plan over 30 years
  • Integrated rail plan includes investments in the trans-Pennine route and smaller rail enhancements across the north and midlands
  • Works on Midland Main Line electrification have already begun, with benefits expected to be delivered sooner than initially anticipated

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jason McCartney Con
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about the lack of investment and improvement in local rail services in his constituency, which affects daily commutes and economic development.

Question

What steps he is taking to improve local rail services in Yorkshire. Rail passengers in Leeds are benefiting from a recent £161 million investment, but there is a need for further improvements across the region.

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The Government are committed to improving rail services across the north of England with a £96 billion investment plan over 30 years, including recent £161 million investment at Leeds station.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or timeline for Yorkshire improvements was not detailed

How: Under Review, Ambitious Plan

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Q2 Jason McCartney Con
Transport
Context

The MP highlights a levelling-up bid for the single-track rail line connecting Huddersfield, Penistone, and Sheffield, which is crucial for local connectivity but currently lacks significant investment.

Question

Will the Minister continue to work with us so that we can get investment in this single-track line leading to real positivity for local connectivity? The integrated rail plan invests in the trans-Pennine route through Slaithwaite and Marsden, while another important line from Huddersfield to Sheffield remains underfunded.

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The integrated rail plan confirms Government will continue investing in smaller rail enhancements across the north and midlands alongside major projects like trans-Pennine route upgrade, HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail. Meeting to discuss further can be arranged on a future visit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific investment for single-track line not confirmed

How: Work With, Discuss

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Q3 Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East
Transport
Context

The original plan suggested that electric trains would be arriving at Sheffield via the electrified Midland Main Line by now, but there is uncertainty about the actual timeline.

Question

According to the original plans, trains should now be arriving in Sheffield on the electrified Midland Main Line. When will the first electric trains actually arrive?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

Delighted to confirm shovels are already in the ground on Midland Main Line electrification, with works visited by Secretary of State before Christmas. As part of £96 billion integrated rail plan, benefits will be delivered sooner than anticipated.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific date for electric train arrival not provided

How: Sooner Than Expected

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