Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cross-Border Transport Connectivity

Wednesday 9 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 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Matheson asked about recent discussions with the Welsh Government on improving cross-border transport connectivity.
  • The Minister stated that cross-border links are vital to achieving levelling up in every part of the United Kingdom, including Wales.
  • Craig Williams inquired about the Llanymynech-Pant bypass proposal and the commitment of 45 million to progress it to the next stage.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Matheson Lab
Transport Wales
Context

The question arises from the need to improve transportation links between England and Wales, which are crucial for economic development.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on improving cross-border transport connectivity. Last week, I met the Welsh Government's Transport Minister to discuss how our Governments can work together to improve those vital links, including through the recommendations in the Union connectivity review.

Answer from David Davies

Cross-border links are vital to achieving levelling up in every part of the United Kingdom, including Wales. Last week, I met the Welsh Government's Transport Minister to discuss how our Governments can work together to improve those vital links, including through the recommendations in the Union connectivity review.

Answered
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Q2 Chris Matheson Lab
Transport Wales
Context

Plans are ready to go to increase rail capacity at Chester station, but the project is being delayed due to disagreement over Union connectivity grants.

Question

If you go by train to north Wales, Mr Speaker, the chances are that you will go through Chester. We have plans ready to go to increase capacity at Chester station, but we are being held up because the Minister's colleagues in the Westminster Department for Transport will not agree on Union connectivity grants for Network Rail and Transport for Wales. Will he please have a word and tell them to get a move on?

Answer from David Davies

I am sure that my colleagues in Westminster will be doing absolutely everything they can to improve connectivity links between Wales and England, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman could have a word with his colleagues in the Welsh Labour Government, who have decided to abandon road building in Wales. Traffic congestion is bad for the environment, and a good road network is good for a flourishing economy.

Not addressed: The specific ask about Union connectivity grants was not addressed; instead, the answerer criticized Welsh Labour Government's decision on road building.

How: Criticizing Opposition

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Q3 Craig Williams Con
Transport Wales
Context

The Llanymynech-Pant bypass is crucial for the constituency, with 90% of it in England. The Treasury has committed £45 million to move forward.

Question

The Llanymynech-Pant bypass proposal is the most important connection for my constituency, although it is 90% in England. I welcome the Treasury Bench's commitment of £45 million to get it to the next stage, but will the Minister meet with me to ensure that the Welsh Government, with their road blocking and lack of vision on Union connectivity, deliver this road?

Answer from David Davies

My hon. Friend has been an absolute champion of the bypass over many years—[Interruption.]—and I am sure that everyone on this side of the House is deeply disappointed—

Not addressed: The specific ask about meeting with the questioner was not addressed; instead, the answerer expressed disappointment.

How: Changing Subject

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