House of Commons · Ministers' Questions
Thursday 17 March 2022 · 9 questions
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
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The MP is concerned about improving transport connections across the country.
Question
What steps he is taking to improve transport connectivity within the UK?
Answer from Robert Courts
We are carefully considering the recommendations from Sir Peter Hendy's “Union Connectivity Review” and we will respond in due course.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
The MP is concerned about the reduction in direct rail services from nine to two per day.
Question
I welcome Avanti West Coast's £170,000 investment and the creation of a dedicated driver depot in Holyhead, but direct rail services between London and Holyhead will reduce from nine per day prior to the pandemic to just two. What steps is the Minister taking to help providers return rail services across the UK to their pre-pandemic levels?
Answer from Robert Courts
I commend my hon. Friend on being a true champion for Ynys Môn. We continue to work closely with her and operators on the development of attractive timetables that are reliable, deliver excellent performance and are good value for money. Thanks to her campaign and that work, the two trains per day from London to Holyhead will increase to four in May, and we are looking to bring back more.
Not addressed: The Minister did not specify concrete steps or commitments beyond general statements about working with operators.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
There are concerns in Bedford regarding delays, demolition of homes and environmental issues.
Question
Will the Minister tell us whether the DFT is backtracking on the East West Rail project? Will he instruct East West Rail to urgently publish its proposals?
Answer from Robert Courts
I will ask the Rail Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton) to respond in detail to the concerns that the hon. Gentleman has raised as soon as possible.
Not addressed: The minister did not provide a direct answer but promised a future response from another Minister.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
The MP is seeking information on a study in his Department and its progress.
Question
Will the Minister update the House on where we are with improving connectivity between the south coast and the M4? Is the study in his Department on track to report in September?
Answer from Robert Courts
My right hon. Friend has raised the question of Westbury and the difficulties his constituents are facing. I have heard that very clearly, and I will ensure that he gets a detailed response from the roads Minister, Baroness Vere, on the progress.
Not addressed: The minister did not provide an update on the study's timeline but promised a future response.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
The MP references concerns about the Transport for the North's budget reduction and previous comments from Lord McLaughlin.
Question
Ministers will be aware that the Select Committee on Transport recently visited Leeds and Bradford as part of our inquiry into the integrated rail plan. Has the current Transport Secretary seen the former Transport Secretary Lord McLaughlin's comments? Is that why he has reduced Transport for the North's budget by 37%?
Answer from Robert Courts
The Secretary of State has met Lord McLaughlin recently, and he will no doubt have reiterated the point that I reiterate to the hon. Gentleman and everyone who asks about the integrated rail plan, which is that this is £96 billion of investment—the greatest from any Government in recent history.
Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether the budget reduction was related to Lord McLaughlin's comments or provide specifics on his views on the integrated rail plan.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
The Hendy review recommended a UK-wide strategic transport network but the bid for funds to fill a gap in north Wales was declined.
Question
Will the Minister meet me to discuss and perhaps reconsider that?
Answer from Robert Courts
We are committed to strengthening transport bonds throughout our Union. I note that the Welsh Government published a report recently saying that they did not support key improvements to the A55 in north Wales, nor the building of new roads, but I know that the roads Minister will be keen to meet my hon. Friend as soon as possible to discuss his individual concerns.
Not addressed: The minister did not address the funding issue directly and instead mentioned a report from the Welsh Government.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
The MP is concerned about plans to sever the Metrolink from Piccadilly to Ashton-under-Lyne during construction.
Question
Connecting communities to the rest of the UK is crucial, but not at the expense of cutting off communities from their own locality. Can we look at that again?
Answer from Robert Courts
The Department is very keen to work with local communities to ensure that the plan works. I know that the HS2 Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson) will be keen to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss precisely that issue.
Not addressed: The minister promised a future meeting but did not address the current plans directly.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
The MP highlights improvements made in his constituency and asks if this is an example of the government's broader plans.
Question
Sometimes the Government get criticised over rail, but in my constituency, we have had electrification, more trains and more capacity going to Wellingborough, and we are now getting it going north to the great cities. Is this an example of what the Government are going to do elsewhere?
Answer from Robert Courts
My hon. Friend raises a very good point. Under the previous Labour Government, 63 miles were electrified, whereas we, up to the end of the relative period, have electrified 1,221 miles.
Not addressed: The minister did not address if these improvements are indicative of broader plans but highlighted past achievements under his government.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
The MP is concerned about reduced service levels compared to pre-pandemic and the impact on passengers.
Question
With more people returning to rail, and to ensure that we do not have a car-led recovery, will the Minister now commit to restoring the services that have been cut? If not, why not?
Answer from Robert Courts
Following the Williams-Shapps review, we have announced the creation of Great British Railways, which will create a truly passenger-focused service for the UK. I have already mentioned the £96 billion that has gone into the integrated rail plan, as well as the restoring your railway programme.
Not addressed: The minister did not provide a specific commitment but referenced previous commitments and initiatives.
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)
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