Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport Connectivity: North of England Cities

Thursday 21 March 2024 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Katherine Fletcher inquired about removing buffers at Ormskirk and improving connectivity using battery technology.
  • The Secretary responded that local authorities are best positioned to promote such schemes, with 2.5 billion available from the local transport fund.
  • Katherine Fletcher also questioned the timeline for delivering 168 million funding, to which the Secretary noted the money will be distributed over seven years.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Katherine Fletcher
Transport
Context

The question arises from the need to improve direct connections between cities such as Liverpool and Preston, addressing historical issues like the removal of buffers at Ormskirk that prevent direct train services. It also questions the closure of Midge Hall station.

Question

To build our northern powerhouse, direct connections between cities are important. Does the Secretary agree to remove buffers at Ormskirk preventing direct trains and stop nonsense at Midge Hall station? Such moves would enhance connectivity using battery technology.

Answer from Mark Harper

Local authorities are best placed to promote schemes; £2.5 billion from the local transport fund will be available for them. Encourages work with stakeholders such as Lancashire County Council.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address removal of buffers or reopening Midge Hall station

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Q2 Katherine Fletcher
Transport
Context

Constituents are excited by the news of the local transport fund but have been told most money will not come until the end of the decade, raising concerns about raised expectations.

Question

When will we have timelines for the delivery of the £168 million funding? I do not want my constituents to have their expectations raised unreasonably.

Answer from Mark Harper

The money will come over a seven-year period; guidance for local authorities on how to use it will be published soon. Encourages involvement of MPs in developing schemes.

Answered
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Q3 Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Transport
Context

The backlog of local road repairs has increased by 16% this year alone to £16.3 billion, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Network North's announcement spread over 11 years.

Question

With a 16% increase in backlog and only one-third of the annual increase covered by Network North's funding, how will the Secretary address road repairs? Will he apologise for past damage caused?

Answer from Mark Harper

£8.3 billion from HS2 cancellation available over 11 years; first tranche of money available this and next financial year. Labour has not committed to spending the £8.3 billion.

Not addressed: Did not address apology or road repair issues directly

How: Changed Subject To Labour'S Stance On Hs2

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Q4 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Transport
Context

The need for direct connections between cities such as Liverpool and Preston is highlighted, questioning the removal of administrative barriers to direct train services like buffers at Ormskirk.

Question

Direct connections between cities are vital. Does the Secretary agree that removing buffers at Ormskirk preventing direct trains is a good idea? Such services would be enhanced by battery technology.

Answer from Mark Harper

Local authorities are best placed; £2.5 billion from local transport fund will be available for them; encourages work with stakeholders such as Lancashire County Council.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address removal of buffers or battery technology

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