Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Links: Wales and the North-west

Wednesday 18 October 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 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is investing 36 billion in Network North, including 1 billion for electrifying the north Wales main line.
  • Minister agrees residents in Wales and Blackpool will benefit from improved local transport infrastructure.
  • Minister commits to discussing with Transport for Wales to improve rail commuting and economic growth.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Scott Benton
Economy Transport Wales
Context

The MP wants to know about specific steps being taken by the Government to improve economic ties.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Government to improve economic links between Wales and the north-west?

Answer from James Davies

This Government is committed to strengthening the economy of north Wales and north-west England. We have recently announced an investment of £36 billion in Network North, including £1 billion to electrify the north Wales main line, which will improve connectivity across the region.

Answered
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Q2 Scott Benton
Transport Wales
Context

The MP inquires about the real improvements expected for residents and constituents from the recently announced railway electrification project.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that residents across Wales and my constituents in Blackpool will see real improvements in their local transport infrastructure as part of their share of this £36 billion investment?

Answer from James Davies

I completely agree with my hon. Friend. North Wales often feels overlooked by the Welsh Government, but it is a Conservative Government who are investing further in the infrastructure and prospects of north Wales and north-west England.

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Q3 Conor McGinn Lab
Transport
Context

The MP raises concerns about the overcrowding, cancellations, and overall performance of the railway line connecting north Wales to Manchester through his constituency.

Question

Will the Minister speak to colleagues in the Department for Transport as well as Transport for Wales so that we might make some progress on improving my constituents' ability to commute and ensure economic growth?

Answer from James Davies

Of course, improving rail is not simply about the rail infrastructure; it is also about the train operating companies. The hon. Gentleman is right that Transport for Wales has struggled from time to time, but I do have discussions with them and will reiterate concerns.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide a specific commitment or timeline for action.

How: Will Speak To Colleagues, Do Have Discussions

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Q4 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Economy Transport Wales
Context

The MP criticises the Government's actions such as cancelling rail electrification projects, spending without job security, and a weak semiconductor strategy.

Question

Why should anyone believe that their latest promises made for north Wales at a desperate party conference are worth considering?

Answer from James Davies

I welcome the hon. Member to her position and urge her to be more positive about £1 billion announced for infrastructure development in north Wales through electrification, which has saved jobs at Port Talbot and enabled decarbonisation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids addressing previous criticisms directly and focuses on positive aspects of the current plan.

How: Welcome, Urge To Be More Positive

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Q5 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Transport
Context

The MP questions the logic behind withholding investment from Wales and argues for reclassification based on recent changes.

Question

Now that the link at Crewe is another casualty, will Ministers urge the Treasury to class HS2 as English-only?

Answer from James Davies

As the right hon. Lady knows, rail infrastructure is not devolved and investment in Great Britain's rail infrastructure is of value to those in north Wales and rest of Wales; HS2 remains an important connection.

Not addressed: The answer does not address the specific request for reclassification but rather talks about overall benefits.

How: Rail Infrastructure Is Not Devolved, Investment In Gb Rail

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Q6 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Wales
Context

The MP discusses a proposed devolved approach to the Crown estate profits and criticises the current system.

Question

Whose side is the Minister on: Welsh communities or a system that extracts our natural wealth?

Answer from James Davies

We have had this discussion before but I would argue that the Crown estate allows sharing risks and opportunities, does a fantastic job, and I simply do not agree with criticism.

Not addressed: The answer provides no specific detail or commitment on devolution or alignment of interests.

How: We Have Had This Discussion, Crown Estate Allows Sharing Risks

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