Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport Connectivity: North 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial investment includes 1 billion for Network North and the development of the Northumberland railway line.
  • Minister agrees to meet with Northumberland County Council and the hon. member post consultation on the Blyth relief road.
  • Transport review under the city regional sustainable settlement will provide significant investment in northern connectivity.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Levy
Transport
Context

The question arises from a need to enhance transport infrastructure between cities in the north of England. The government has previously announced a £1 billion investment under Network North.

Question

What steps he is taking to increase transport connectivity between cities in the north of England? Aside from the £1 billion investment, what other measures are being implemented?

Answer from Guy Opperman

Aside from the £1 billion investment in Network North, my hon. Friend will be aware that the single biggest connectivity project in his community is the Northumberland line, a groundbreaking railway line that will connect Blyth and the surrounding cities to Newcastle.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures beyond Network North investment and Northumberland line project.

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Q2 Ian Levy
Transport
Context

A consultation has taken place regarding a relief road for Blyth that is needed to address traffic issues. However, concerns have been raised about the potential increase in journey times and costs associated with closing an existing road.

Question

I am delighted consultation has now taken place regarding a relief road for Blyth, which is badly needed. As a result of the proposed plans, many residents could see their journey times increase. Will my hon. Friend agree to look at that again and see whether it could be achieved?

Answer from Guy Opperman

I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend and Northumberland County Council, post the consultation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a specific review or action regarding journey times and costs.

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Q3 Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East
Transport
Context

David Higgins, the former chair of HS2, highlighted poor connectivity between Sheffield and Manchester compared to other major European cities. The proposed tunnel under the Pennines has been scaled back significantly.

Question

Ten years ago, David Higgins said that connectivity between Sheffield and Manchester was worse than any other major city in Europe. Since then, a review of a tunnel under the Pennines was initiated but scaled down until it disappeared altogether. Can the Minister say how transport links between Sheffield and Manchester have improved?

Answer from Guy Opperman

As the hon. Gentleman knows, a substantial amount of electrification is taking place. He will also be aware of the city regional sustainable settlement which will provide significant investment in the north.

Not addressed: Did not address specific improvements to Sheffield-Manchester connectivity or mention previous commitments.

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