Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 17 March 2022 · 19 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 14 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial actions include detaining private jets and investigating yachts linked to Russian oligarchs to prevent asset usage and benefit.
  • Government provided 5 billion to TfL and is considering capital grants for long-term funding, pending pandemic outcomes.
  • National Highways is working on proposals from Midlands Connect for improvements at Junction 15 on the M6, with ongoing discussions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Virendra Sharma Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

The government has taken actions to clamp down on Russian interests, including detaining private jets and investigating yachts. However, further details are requested.

Question

I am concerned about the actions taken by my department regarding Russian interests in the UK, particularly the detention of private jets and investigation of yachts linked to Putin's cronies. What is the government doing to ensure these individuals cannot leave or benefit from their assets here?

Answer from Grant Shapps

We have detained private jets that we believe are owned by, or connected to, Putin's cronies. We are investigating a small number of yachts moored in this country which we suspect are linked to Russian oligarchs. Steps are being taken to ensure these assets cannot be used and investigations are ongoing. 10 Russian-linked ships have been turned away or redirected on their course, and eight ships or their companies have severed their Russian ties.

Answered
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Q2 Virendra Sharma Lab
Transport
Context

Transport for London has warned it will cut services if long-term funding is not provided. Previous bailouts were given to private rail companies.

Question

I declare my interest as a former employee of London Transport. TfL warns cuts are imminent without long-term funding. Despite offering 18 months of bail-outs to private rail companies, no similar deal has been made with TfL. When will the government stop playing political games and provide TfL with a long-term funding agreement?

Answer from Grant Shapps

We have given £5 billion-worth of support to TfL, which is an incredibly fair settlement. While we should see what happens with the pandemic before discussing longer-term settlements, I note that capital grants are under consideration. The long-term funding agreement will be discussed after the pandemic.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment for long-term funding was not provided

How: Under Review

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Q3 Aaron Bell
Economy Transport
Context

Midlands Connect proposed improvements to the A50-A500 corridor, crucial for Staffordshire's economy. Focus on junction 15 on the M6.

Question

The A50-A500 corridor is vital to north Staffordshire's economy. Improvements are necessary for levelling-up agenda goals. May I ask you to welcome Midlands Connect's proposals and discuss any plans or conversations with National Highways regarding improvements at junction 15 on the M6?

Answer from Grant Shapps

We are keen to ensure improvements along the A50-A500 corridor. We will continue working with National Highways on proposals from Midlands Connect, including efforts at Junction 15 on the M6. Specific plans and conversations are ongoing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments or timelines were not provided for junction improvements

How: Working With Partners

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Q4 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
Employment Transport
Context

Worrying news about P&O Ferries being called to port by DP World seeking long-term viability. Potential major disruptions and redundancies.

Question

I am looking forward to St Patrick's Day. Concerning developments at P&O Ferries suggest potential significant disruption and staff redundancy. Can you provide an update on any discussions with DP World or P&O Ferries about the situation, particularly regarding avoiding foreign cheap labour replacements?

Answer from Grant Shapps

Operations at P&O Ferries have been temporarily paused causing disruption. Discussions are ongoing with the Kent resilience forum, and officials will engage in urgent discussions with P&O about the situation to address concerns for workers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on avoiding foreign cheap labour replacements were not provided

How: Under Consideration

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Q5 Maria Miller Con
Transport Climate
Context

Thousands of electric vehicle charging points are being installed in Basingstoke town centre, but there is no off-street parking for many residents.

Question

Thousandsof electric car charging points have been installed in Basingstoke. What support does the government offer to people without off-street parking access to residential charging points?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

£2.5 billion has been committed since 2020 to support transition to zero emission vehicles, offsetting higher up-front costs and accelerating transport infrastructure roll-out. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's work is being spread across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on residential charging point installation were not provided

How: Under Review

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Q6 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Transport Local Government
Context

Drivers are frustrated with delays caused by council and Network Rail for more than two months due to a bridge painting project in my constituency.

Question

My constituency has been gridlocked for over two months because of a bridge painting job. Drivers and businesses have suffered significant losses. Before the Commonwealth games, will you agree to meet me to prevent similar disruptions?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

I will take time to look into this matter further and write to the hon. Member.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment for a meeting was not provided

How: Under Review

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Q7 Peter Bone Con
Transport
Context

Proposed move of GBR headquarters to the east midlands is seen as a levelling-up opportunity. Wellingborough, with its rich rail heritage and newly electrified railway, is suggested.

Question

The proposal to relocate Great British Railways headquarters from London to the East Midlands is significant for levelling up. Considering Wellingborough's railway history, recent electrification, station development potential, and council support, will you announce today that the GBR HQ should be in Wellingborough?

Answer from Wendy Morton

While tempted by the suggestion, competition for the GBR headquarters has closed. We are reviewing fantastic bids from local authorities and will announce the shortlist soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Announcement of Wellingborough as HQ was not made

How: Under Consideration

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Q8 John Spellar Lab
Transport Energy
Context

The West Midlands wants to buy hydrogen buses, and Northern Ireland wants to build them. There is a concern that the Department's officials have a negative attitude towards hydrogen technology.

Question

There is a groundbreaking hydrogen industry in Britain but the Chinese are leading in electric bus technology. The West Midlands wants to buy hydrogen buses, and Northern Ireland wants to build them. Can the Secretary of State address this issue?

Answer from Trudy Harrison (Minister for Investment)

I am delighted to hear of the right hon. Member's enthusiasm for hydrogen, which I share. We are committed to rolling out a decarbonised transport economy, and there is equal enthusiasm in the Department. I will look into the scheme mentioned and get back to him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about sorting out negative attitudes within the Department.

How: We Are Committed To, I Will Look Into It

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Q9 Philip Hollobone Con
Transport
Context

There is ongoing refurbishment and improvement work at Kettering railway station.

Question

When will the canopy restoration works be completed at Kettering railway station, and what other refurbishments and improvements are planned for it?

Answer from Wendy Morton (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport)

The Kettering station canopy works are due to be completed in April. A new national rail contract is being negotiated that will consider future investment plans.

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Q10 Rob Butler
Transport
Context

Disruption caused by HS2 contractors has misled property owners, gone against reassurances given, and started work without permission.

Question

Will the Minister remind HS2 Ltd that its pledge to be a good neighbour is not just a slogan and demand action?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport)

The Minister will relay the message to HS2 Ltd. There is a meeting at 2 pm today with the CEO of HS2 Ltd, Mark Thurston, where he will be welcome.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about reminding HS2 Ltd.

How: I Will Relay His Message, He Will Be Welcome

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Q11 Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon
Transport
Context

Four cyclists have died on Oxfordshire's roads recently, leading to a push for more funding from the Government.

Question

Will the Minister consider meeting me to discuss how we can keep Oxfordshire cyclists safe?

Answer from Trudy Harrison (Minister for Investment)

The Government have promised £2 billion of investment in active travel over this Parliament. The Minister would be willing to meet her to discuss the work of Active Travel England and how they are rolling out transport infrastructure.

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Q12 James Daly
Transport Environment
Context

Andy Burnham's original GM clean air zone plan is facing criticism for placing unsustainable financial burdens on businesses.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking with colleagues from DEFRA to ensure that Mr Burnham's desire to create a large clean air charging zone does not place financial burdens?

Answer from Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Minister agrees with his hon. Friend that Andy Burnham needs to go back to the drawing board on this.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about taking measures against financial burdens.

How: Andy Burnham Needs To Go Back To The Drawing Board

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Q13 Mike Amesbury Lab
Brexit Foreign Affairs Energy
Context

Unite workers refused to unload Russian oil at Stanlow in Cheshire.

Question

Will the Minister join me in congratulating Unite on refusing to unload Russian oil, and what further measures is the Secretary of State applying?

Answer from Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Yes, I do join the hon. Member in congratulating them. The Minister wrote to all ports asking not to allow in Russian ships or Russian-connected ships, making this country unique with a Russian-connected ban.

Answered
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Q14 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Transport
Context

The Mayor of London decided to remove the car park at Cockfosters station.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend use his action as a means to stop car parks being removed at termini throughout London?

Answer from Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Minister's action with regard to Cockfosters station was due to the plan removing all but 12 car parking spaces. He encourages the Mayor of London to come forward with better plans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific ask about using it as a precedent.

How: I Encourage The Mayor Of London

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Q15 Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea
Transport
Context

The most recent NatCen baseline report shows the UK is far from having a fully accessible and inclusive transport system, with missed deadlines for reporting accessibility failures.

Question

I am concerned about the progress of the Government's Inclusive Transport Strategy. The deadline to report accessibility failures has been missed, the consultation on bus stops has been paused, and the stakeholder group hasn't met in over a year. How many staff are working full time on these commitments?

Answer from Grant Shapps

The hon. Lady raises good questions about access on rail and bus stops. We are working to improve accessibility through signage and communication facilities for disabilities. I will write a detailed response addressing each of her questions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific statistics, timelines, or staffing numbers were not provided.

How: I Will Write To The Hon. Lady With Details.

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Q16 John Cryer Lab
Employment Transport
Context

The Minister previously stated that he is meeting trade union representatives of the bus driver industry.

Question

Can the Minister confirm that he regularly meets with trade union representatives for bus drivers? Has his Department assessed the impact of low bus driver wages on recruitment and retention?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The roads Minister, Baroness Vere, is regularly meeting trade representatives. Private sector companies run most bus operations; thus, it's not for the government to dictate wages except through minimum wage laws.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm meetings with union reps or assess impact of pay levels on recruitment and retention.

How: It Is Not For The Government To Dictate Wages In The Private Sector.

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Q17 Allan Dorans
Transport Climate
Context

The French Government have decided that car advertisements must now encourage consumers to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport.

Question

Will the UK Government consider implementing a similar policy where car ads must promote alternatives like walking, cycling, and public transport?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

Our decarbonisation plan aims to encourage short journeys in towns and cities by 2030 through walking or cycling. We have set up Active Travel England, led by Chris Boardman.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm if the UK will adopt French policy for car ads.

How: I Would Be Happy To Meet The Hon. Gentleman To Explain That In More Detail.

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Q18 Steven Bonnar
Transport Climate Scotland
Context

The Scottish Government are investing 10% of their total transport capital budget in active travel options.

Question

Why hasn't the UK Government's active travel budget matched Scotland's funding ambitions for active travel infrastructure?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

We are investing £2 billion in “Gear Change” and our active travel priorities. We work closely with devolved Administrations to address climate issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide details on why the UK's budget doesn't match Scotland's, nor specific numbers or timelines for future investment.

How: We Can All Learn From Each Other.

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Q19 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Today, P&O Ferries announced there will be no sailings due to partial Russian ownership of the company. This affects constituents unable to travel between Cairnryan and Larne.

Question

What urgent steps can the Government take regarding P&O Ferries' disruption? Will a statement be made in the Chamber soon?

Answer from Robert Courts

This emerging story is causing concern. I will stay in contact and take appropriate steps, and I am happy to meet with the hon. Gentleman.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify any urgent actions or timelines for a statement in Parliament.

How: I Will Stay In Regular Contact.

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