Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Oxford-Cambridge Arc

Tuesday 15 November 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Oxford, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes are part of a globally significant area with world-leading technology, life sciences, and space sectors.
  • The Government is committed to working with local authorities and stakeholders to unlock growth, including the construction of East West Rail's first section.
  • The Treasury views East West Rail as crucial for unlocking the potential of Oxford, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes, as recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission's 2017 report.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Iain Stewart Con
Economy Transport Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned about the economic growth potential of the Oxford-Cambridge arc, highlighting constraints such as poor connectivity and high housing costs.

Question

What recent steps has the Secretary of State taken to deliver the economic growth potential of the Oxford-Cambridge arc? The area faces constraints like poor connectivity, lack of lab space, and high housing costs. What actions are being taken with local authorities?

Answer from James Cartlidge

Oxford, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes are part of a globally significant area with world-leading technology, life sciences, and space sectors. The Government is committed to working with local authorities and stakeholders to unlock growth. East West Rail's first section is in construction and will bring benefits to the constituency in 2025.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to address constraints like poor connectivity, lack of lab space, and high housing costs were not detailed

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Q2 Iain Stewart Con
Economy Transport
Context

The MP hosted an event to launch a report, 'Building Better Connections', which sets out the wider economic benefits of the arc as a whole and the rail line in particular. The report highlights the need for investment decisions based on wider economic benefit.

Question

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his appointment. I urge him to read the report 'Building Better Connections' launched at an event hosted by myself and the hon. Member for Cambridge, which sets out the wider economic benefits of the arc as a whole and the rail line in particular. Will any investment decisions be based on the wider economic benefit?

Answer from James Cartlidge

We will consider the report with interest and pay tribute to my hon. Friend as a long-standing champion of the East West Rail connection, recognising its importance for international competitiveness and UK economy growth. The first section is already in construction and next steps on later stages will be set out shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment to base investment decisions on wider economic benefits was provided

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Q3 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about inconsistent views from different Secretaries of State regarding the importance of restoring rail links for cities like Cambridge. The region was singled out by The Economist in 2022 as vital to invest in.

Question

On different days, we get different views on East West Rail from different Secretaries of State. Can we hear what the Treasury's view is on the importance of restoring this rail link for cities like Cambridge?

Answer from James Cartlidge

East West Rail was a key recommendation by the National Infrastructure Commission's 2017 report to unlock the potential of Oxford, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes. The region remains vital for investment as noted by The Economist.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific view of the Treasury on restoring rail links was not addressed

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