Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Union Connectivity

Wednesday 29 June 2022 · 7 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister regularly discusses Union connectivity with Cabinet colleagues, including a roundtable with Transport Ministers and Scottish stakeholders.
  • Government considers using public service obligations to meet Union connectivity objectives, particularly regarding flights between Blackpool and Scotland.
  • Prime Minister has welcomed Sir Peter Hendy's proposal for UKNET, a strategic transport network spanning the entire United Kingdom.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Stevenson Con
Transport Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Discussions on improving Union connectivity between Scotland and England.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving Union connectivity?

Answer from Iain Stewart

I regularly discuss important issues on improving Union connectivity with ministerial colleagues. Earlier this year, for example, I co-chaired a roundtable discussion with Transport Ministers and Scottish stakeholders.

Partly answered
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Q2 Scott Benton
Economy Transport
Context

The Union connectivity review suggests ways to reform public service obligations for regional flights.

Question

Does the Minister agree that restoring commercial passenger flights between Blackpool airport and locations in Scotland would boost economic growth and help to create jobs and investment in both locations?

Answer from Iain Stewart

The Government recognise the importance of maintaining a thriving and competitive aviation sector in the UK. The Minister will continue to consider whether there are further opportunities to utilise public service obligations to meet Union connectivity objectives.

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Q3 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
Transport
Context

The Union connectivity review recommended the UK Government work with the Scottish Government on an assessment of the east coast transport corridor.

Question

Can my hon. Friend update the House on progress in bringing forward that recommendation?

Answer from Iain Stewart

The Government are grateful to Sir Peter Hendy for his work and are considering his recommendations carefully. The Prime Minister has welcomed, and intends to accept, the proposal for the creation of UKNET, a strategic transport network spanning the entire United Kingdom.

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Q4 John Stevenson Con
Transport Scotland
Context

Concerns about the Scottish Government's lack of support for investment in rail and road infrastructure.

Question

Connectivity between Scotland and England matters, especially for the area that I represent in Cumbria, and south-west Scotland. Does the Minister share my concerns that the Scottish Government are not helping to deliver the investment?

Answer from Iain Stewart

The Minister is keen to see the feasibility study work commence on extending the Borders rail line. The Minister has recently met with Wendy Morton to progress that project.

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Q5 Martin Docherty SNP
Economy Transport Foreign Affairs
Context

Belfast harbour has reported a significant increase in turnover and profits, prompting questions about Union connectivity with the European Union.

Question

Why will the Secretary of State's office not campaign for Union connectivity with the greatest booster of our economy, the European Union?

Answer from Iain Stewart

The Government are focusing on upgrading the A75 and the A77. The Minister has been keen to meet the Scottish Transport Minister, but they have refused to do so.

How: Changed Subject Entirely

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Q6 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Transport
Context

The decision to leave the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service satellite programme has affected air services reliability.

Question

Is it not time to admit as much, rejoin EGNOS, and improve air services in the highlands and islands?

Answer from Iain Stewart

The Minister discussed the EGNOS issue with Robert Courts. Loganair has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, pointing out additional evidence. The Minister would be happy to meet him further.

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Q7 Alan Brown SNP
Transport Scotland
Context

Promises of a bridge to Northern Ireland and HS2 running to Scotland on day one have not been fulfilled.

Question

Is it not the case that this UK Government are running a scorched-earth policy on Union connectivity and the Union overall?

Answer from Iain Stewart

Scotland will be connected to HS2 from day one, delivering enormous capacity and journey time improvements. Sir Peter Hendy's review found that the Golborne link was not optimal but better alternatives are being explored.

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