Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Infrastructure: East of England

Thursday 14 December 2023 · 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

  • Ministerial commitment to work with residents of Wixams new town to secure a railway station start date.
  • Rail investment in the east of England includes upgrades to the Midland Main Line and new stations at Cambridge South.
  • Horley junction development is key for improving resilience for both passengers and freight, especially concerning the port of Felixstowe.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about ensuring new rail projects meet community needs, specifically mentioning Wixams new town and its lack of promised railway connectivity.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure that new rail infrastructure meets the needs of communities in the east of England? Over a decade after moving into their homes, residents in Wixams new town are still waiting for a confirmed start date for a station. Will the Minister work with local stakeholders and Network Rail to get sign-off for this line and ensure these residents can enjoy promised rail connectivity?

Answer from Huw Merriman

We are delivering record rail investment in the east of England, including upgrading the midland main line, a new station at Cambridge South, improvements at Ely and Horley junctions to increase passenger and freight capacity. I am happy to give that commitment to work with residents on the Wixams project, as recently discussed with the Mayor of Bedford.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific timeline or funding requirements for the Wixams station.

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Q2 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Transport
Context

Residents of Wixams new town have been promised railway connectivity for over a decade but are still waiting for confirmation on the start date. The MP wants to ensure this project moves forward.

Question

Wixams new town was built with rail connectivity in mind, but residents are still awaiting a confirmed start date after more than ten years. Will the Minister collaborate with local stakeholders and Network Rail to secure approval for the railway line and guarantee that these residents can finally benefit from promised rail connections?

Answer from Huw Merriman

I am happy to give that commitment to work with residents. Indeed, I recently spoke to the Mayor of Bedford on this point. We are working at pace to deliver the station, including funding requirements agreed previously.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific timeline or additional details on securing approval and delivery of the Wixams station.

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Q3 Therese Coffey Con
Transport
Context

The Horley junction project is a small but significant rail improvement aimed at enhancing freight and passenger traffic, particularly benefiting the port of Felixstowe.

Question

My hon. Friend mentioned the Horley junction development, which was welcomed in October. Given its importance for improving resilience for both passengers and freight, especially concerning the port of Felixstowe, will the project receive a start date agreement next year with the business case sorted out?

Answer from Huw Merriman

My right hon. Friend has championed this project, as have other hon. Friends present. We are keen to make rapid progress following the Prime Minister's decisions in October, which enabled bringing the project forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific start date or timeline for the Horley junction project next year.

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