Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Union Connectivity Review

Thursday 19 May 2022 · 4 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

  • Chris Matheson inquired about the implementation of the Union Connectivity Review's rail transport recommendations, to which the response indicated ongoing consideration and an intended response later in the year.
  • Chris Matheson also questioned the status of the electrification of the line from Crewe to Chester, noting that the strategic outline business case for improvements in and around Chester station has been reviewed, with work still ongoing.
  • David Mundell highlighted the dispute between rail unions and TransPennine Express as a major obstacle to rail connectivity between Scotland and England, with the response noting the Government's investment of over 16 billion for passenger services and urging cooperation to restore rest-day working.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Matheson Lab
Transport
Context

The Union Connectivity Review by Sir Peter Hendy has made several recommendations regarding the enhancement of rail links across the UK union.

Question

What plans does he have to implement the Union connectivity review's recommendations on rail transport?

Answer from Wendy Morton

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked me to pass on his apologies; he is attending the International Transport Forum annual summit where the UK assumes the presidency. We are carefully considering the recommendations and intend to respond later this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or implementation details were not provided

How: Under Review

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Q2 Chris Matheson Lab
Transport
Context

The strategic outline business case for improvements in and around Chester station was submitted, but work is still ongoing.

Question

If you want to go from anywhere in Scotland or northern England by train to anywhere in north Wales, chances are you will have to go through Chester. Will the Minister please hurry up with the consideration and get us a positive decision on the electrification of the line from Crewe to Chester, and on the remodelling of Chester station to increase capacity for signalling and passengers?

Answer from Wendy Morton

The strategic outline business case for improvements in and around Chester station was submitted, and it has been reviewed. Work is still ongoing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or commitment on decision-making was not provided

How: Work Still Ongoing

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Q3 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Transport
Context

There is a dispute between the rail unions and TransPennine Express causing significant disruption to services in Lockerbie.

Question

Does the Minister agree with me that the biggest impediment to rail connectivity between Scotland and England is the ongoing dispute between the rail unions and TransPennine Express, which has caused huge disruption to my constituents who use Lockerbie station. Is there anything the Minister can do to bring to an end these unwarranted cancellations and disruptions to services, particularly at the weekend?

Answer from Wendy Morton

I am conscious of the disruption caused by the dispute, which is disappointing. The Government have earmarked more than £16 billion for taxpayer-funded life support for passenger services since the start of the pandemic. We urge the unions to work with TPE to restore rest-day working.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or timeline were not provided

How: Urging Parties To Negotiate

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Q4 Gavin Newlands SNP
Transport Energy
Context

ScotRail pays the highest track access charges of any train operator, making up nearly a quarter of its total costs.

Question

According to a written answer I received yesterday, the now publicly owned ScotRail pays the highest track access charges of any train operator; they are more than double the next highest figure and make up nearly a quarter of the entire total. The charges have increased by over 320% in the last five years. Does the Minister accept that those punitive charges reduce the Scottish Government's capacity to boost even further the substantive investments made in transport decarbonisation, and will she commit to rebating ScotRail and the taxpayers of Scotland for those unjustifiable and exorbitant charges?

Answer from Wendy Morton

These are charges that all train operating companies pay. This Government have invested £96 billion in the railways, including the integrated rail plan.

Not addressed: Specific commitment to rebating or addressing high track access charges was not provided

How: Changing Subject

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