Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scotland-England Transport Connectivity

Wednesday 17 May 2023 · 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 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers and officials have regular discussions on Lord Hendy's Union connectivity review.
  • Department for Transport is developing a new cross-country national rail contract.
  • Proposals to reopen the Leamside line were considered in the integrated rail plan.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Howell
Transport Scotland
Context

The MP inquires about recent discussions on enhancing transport links between the two countries.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on improving transport connectivity between Scotland and England?

Answer from John Lamont

Scotland Office Ministers and officials have regular discussions with colleagues across Government about Lord Hendy's Union connectivity review. I recently met stakeholders to discuss cross-border rail services between Scotland and England, and to learn more about a range of transport connectivity projects.

Answered
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Q2 Kevin Foster Con
Transport
Context

The MP emphasizes the economic benefits of cross-border railway connections, specifically mentioning Torquay and Paignton.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Transport about developing direct train services between Scotland and south-west England, including links to Torquay and Paignton?

Answer from John Lamont

The Department for Transport is developing a new cross-country national rail contract expected to commence in October 2023. Officials recently met representatives from Transport Scotland, and connectivity benefits can be considered during contract development.

Answered
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Q3 Paul Howell
Transport
Context

The MP highlights the importance of the east coast main line and expresses concern about capacity issues.

Question

Has he spoken to the Department for Transport about supporting the Leamside line project, which aims to enhance both capacity and resilience on the east coast main line?

Answer from John Lamont

Proposals to reopen the Leamside line were considered in developing the integrated rail plan. The case for reopening would be best evaluated as part of a future city region settlement, with continued stakeholder engagement by the Department for Transport.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific Government support or immediate plans regarding the Leamside line project were not detailed.

How: Would Be Best Evaluated As Part Of A Future City Region Settlement

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Q4 David Linden SNP
Transport
Context

The MP questions the commitment to levelling up in relation to high-speed rail infrastructure.

Question

If levelling up is to mean anything, can he say when High Speed 2 will reach Glasgow?

Answer from John Lamont

The Government remain committed to the levelling-up agenda across the UK. He is willing to contact the Department for Transport to get an answer on this matter.

Not addressed: No specific timeline or concrete plan regarding HS2 extension was provided.

How: He Is Willing To Contact The Department For Transport

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