Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Modernisation

Thursday 2 March 2023 · 6 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

  • The railway needs fundamental reform, and the Government aims to deliver it through Great British Railways to ensure a customer-focused and commercially led industry.
  • The Government is giving full and careful consideration to business cases under Restoring Your Railways to ensure best value for taxpayers.
  • The TransPennine Express service is currently unacceptable, and improvement requires cooperation from trade unions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Eastwood
Transport
Context

No specific event mentioned, but concerns about rail service efficiency and reliability are raised.

Question

What steps he is taking to help ensure efficient and reliable rail services?

Answer from Mark Harper

The railway needs fundamental reform, and this Government will deliver it by moving towards a more customer-focused and commercially led industry through Great British Railways. The Government continues to hold both train operators and Network Rail accountable for punctual and reliable service delivery.

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Q2 Paul Howell
Transport
Context

Ferryhill station's bid under the Restoring Your Railways scheme and Hitachi Rail's contribution to regional economy.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend confirm that his Department will make prompt decisions on the business cases under Restoring Your Railways?

Answer from Mark Harper

The Government give full and careful consideration to business cases to ensure best value for taxpayers. The Department recognises the contribution of Hitachi Rail since 2010 and is considering the updated business case for Ferryhill station alongside all bids under Restoring Your Railways.

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Q3 Mark Eastwood
Transport
Context

Inundated with complaints from Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton and Denby Dale regarding TransPennine Express.

Question

After being inundated with complaints about TP service quality, does my right hon. Friend agree that it is no longer fit for purpose?

Answer from Mark Harper

The Minister agrees that the current TransPennine Express service is unacceptable, but improvement requires cooperation from trade unions. Weekly meetings are held, and a recovery plan aimed at building back a reliable service has been delivered by TP.

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Q4 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Transport
Context

Previous promises regarding Yorkshire railway projects such as a new station in Bradford and route study for Sheffield to Leeds.

Question

When can we expect some good news in Yorkshire, particularly on the assessment of options for a new station in Bradford?

Answer from Mark Harper

Good progress has been made and further updates will be provided publicly soon regarding assessments for a new station in Bradford among other initiatives for Yorkshire's railway network improvements.

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Q5 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Climate Energy
Context

Network Rail's statement that 278 miles of track must be electrified annually to meet net zero goals.

Question

Will the Secretary of State commit to electrifying all new railway lines to meet our net zero targets?

Answer from Mark Harper

Since 2010, over 1,200 miles of the rail network have been electrified in Great Britain and the Government continues to make progress on this important initiative towards meeting our net zero commitments.

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Q6 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Transport
Context

Concerns about TransPennine Express providing unacceptable service levels for years, including capacity issues and trade union cooperation.

Question

Is the Secretary of State confirming that he will refuse to step in ideologically despite ASLEF's refusal to cooperate?

Answer from Mark Harper

The service is currently unacceptable and requires cooperation from all involved, including trade unions. The contract expires on 28 May, and decisions will be made with updates provided to the House accordingly, addressing the need for resolving issues before taking over operations.

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