Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cross-border Transport Connectivity: North Wales

Wednesday 24 May 2023 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Samantha Dixon asked the Minister about discussions with Cabinet colleagues and the Welsh Government on cross-border transport connectivity with north Wales.
  • The Minister responded that HS2 will benefit people from north Wales, offering shorter journey times than the current west coast main line.
  • Samantha Dixon inquired if the Government would commit to rapid electrification of the north Wales train line to boost the regional economy.
  • The Minister praised the question and indicated support for electrification or significant improvements to the north Wales coast line.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Samantha Dixon Lab Chester North and Neston
Transport Wales
Context

None provided in the parliamentary record.

Question

What discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) the Welsh Government on cross-border transport connectivity with north Wales.

Answer from David Davies

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of transport matters. HS2 will benefit people travelling from north Wales to London, with the interchange at Crewe providing shorter journey times to north Wales than is currently possible on the west coast main line.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics of discussions with Welsh Government were not provided

How: General Statement About Hs2

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Q2 Samantha Dixon Lab Chester North and Neston
Transport
Context

Chester station is crucial for connectivity between England and north Wales, benefiting rail users and businesses on both sides of the border.

Question

Will the Government commit to the rapid electrification of the north Wales train line, which will transform the north Wales and Cheshire regional economy?

Answer from David Davies

That is one of the best questions I have heard from anyone on the Opposition Benches so far this morning. Yes, I think electrification of the north Wales coast line would be a very good idea, or certainly improvements would be. As the hon. Lady will be aware, various improvements to the Welsh railway structure are being discussed in the rail network enhancements pipeline, and I look forward to it being published shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment for rapid electrification was not given

How: Positive Comment On The Question, Improvements Under Discussion

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