Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

East West Rail

Thursday 16 May 2024 · 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

  • Richard Fuller inquired about recent progress on the East West Rail project, expressing concerns over costs and consultation processes.
  • The Minister highlighted the role of the East West Rail growth board in ensuring a coordinated approach to unlock economic benefits for the region.
  • Daniel Zeichner questioned the structures in place for interdepartmental dialogue regarding East West Rail, noting potential transport issues linked to housing development.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Transport
Context

The East West Rail connection from Bicester to Bletchley was completed in March. The government announced £240 million for the Oxford-Bedford section at the spring Budget, expected to start services by the end of the decade.

Question

What recent progress has been made on the East West Rail project? I am concerned about the cost and impact on taxpayers. The connection from Bedford to Cambridge will cost a lot of money, with developers benefiting but little contact in initial consultations. Statutory consultation is happening over summer, yet driven by a secretive Treasury board.

Answer from Huw Merriman

I thank my hon Friend for his question. East West Rail is progressing with cross-governmental coordination to unlock economic benefits. The growth board, led by the Treasury, will ensure a joined-up approach and economic opportunity for the region.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific concerns about cost impact on taxpayers and lack of initial consultation contact were not addressed

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Q2 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Transport
Context

The East West Rail CEO resigned due to difficulties. The statutory consultation for the Bedford-Cambridge section will start this summer, but it missed initial contacts in previous consultations. The economic growth board is secretive.

Question

What can be told my constituents about the connection of East West Rail from Bedford to Cambridge? The project has high costs, developers benefitting with planning gain. Previous consultation missed key stakeholders. The secretiveness and lack of transparency by the Treasury's economic growth board raises concerns.

Answer from Huw Merriman

I thank my hon Friend for his question. The East West Rail growth board, led by the Treasury, is critical to ensuring a joined-up approach. It looks at this project as an economic opportunity for the area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific concerns about cost impact on taxpayers and lack of initial consultation contact were not addressed

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Q3 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Economy Transport
Context

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities established the Cambridge delivery group to create 150,000 additional homes. This will bring transport challenges due to increased housing.

Question

What structures are in place to ensure proper dialogue between Departments for East West Rail? The Minister's colleagues have set up a group that looks at creating more homes which could lead to more transport issues.

Answer from Huw Merriman

The East West Rail growth board, led by the Treasury, will ensure a joined-up approach. It is essential that we look at this project as an economic opportunity for the region. There is an impact where there is housing, but without workforce, Cambridge cannot compete globally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific dialogue structures and transparency were not detailed

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