Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 16 May 2024 · 23 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 7 Partly answered 15 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Laurence Robertson raised concerns about the need to expand the A46 and junction 9 of the M5 in Tewkesbury to accommodate growth, and the Minister promised to reject any proposals to downgrade these roads.
  • Louise Haigh criticized the Secretary of State for being out of touch regarding rising car insurance costs, highlighting an increase of 219 over two years. The Minister responded by discussing ongoing meetings with Treasury Ministers and industry representatives to address the issue.
  • Matthew Hancock questioned the Rail Minister about ending the contract with Avanti due to their mocking attitude towards performance payments. The Minister stated that the Secretary of State and he made it clear that the behavior was unacceptable and that there were almost 0% cancellations from Avanti in May.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laurence Robertson Con
Transport
Context

The Transport department has been active in various areas since the last questions.

Question

Since you mentioned your department's activities, can I ask about Tewkesbury? It is one of the fastest growing areas. We need to expand the A46 and junction 9 of the M5, rather than reduce capacity or downgrade it. If any agency proposes plans to downgrade these roads, will you reject them?

Answer from Mark Harper (Secretary of State for Transport)

I am grateful to my hon. Friend and Gloucestershire neighbour for raising this issue. His constituency is one of the fastest growing, and he is a doughty champion for his constituents. Any agency thinking of downgrading any part of his road network would not dare to do so, fearing the consequences.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm rejection of plans to downgrade roads directly

How: Acknowledged Constituency'S Importance, Implication Without Explicit Commitment

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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Economy Transport
Context

Since the Secretary of State came into office, car insurance costs have increased by 80%. This is a major concern for drivers.

Question

Given that I alerted him earlier to my concerns about rising car insurance costs, which have risen by 80% since he took office, can you explain how ending the war on motorists relates to this issue? What specific actions has he taken to address these costs?

Answer from Mark Harper (Secretary of State for Transport)

I am grateful for her question and have read her letter carefully. The Treasury is responsible for the insurance industry, but we are committed to addressing this issue. Recently, a roundtable with Treasury Ministers and industry representatives was held to discuss these issues which are also prevalent in Europe.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions taken by his department

How: Shifted Responsibility To Treasury, Acknowledged Issue But No Concrete Action

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Q3 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The previous response was insufficient, and car insurance premiums have risen by £219 in two years.

Question

Given that the Secretary of State had advance notice of my question, his answer showed how out of touch he is. Car insurance is a legal requirement and unaffordable for millions. The average premium has increased by £219 in two years. Instead of speculating about conspiracy theories, why doesn't he take action, demand it from regulators, or call in the Competition and Markets Authority?

Answer from Mark Harper (Secretary of State for Transport)

The hon. Lady called for action; my roads Minister has been meeting with industry representatives and Treasury Ministers, who are responsible for the regulator. We have already done this. Regarding her letter proposing to outlaw pricing according to risk, she hasn't denied it, so people across the country will face higher costs reflecting London's high crime rates.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Shifted focus from action to denying his proposals

How: Deflection, Acknowledged Meetings But No Concrete Actions

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Q4 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Transport
Context

Brandon station is a listed building out of use for years. Greater Anglia is trying to find solutions.

Question

Will the Rail Minister join me in campaigning to save Brandon station, which is a beautiful listed building that has been unused for years? Will he support my efforts and attend a public meeting on 14 June to advance this cause?

Answer from Huw Merriman (Rail Minister)

I will do everything I can. The building is beautiful, must be saved, and my hon. Friend's work is applauded. At a conference for rail leaders, we discussed bringing these buildings back to life for communities. I have met the team and will help him.

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Q5 Matthew Hancock Con
Transport
Context

Four months ago, Avanti staff were caught laughing at the Government's poor performance payments. This indicates a lack of respect.

Question

It is now exactly four months since the Avanti management mocked the Government during an incident that was not isolated. They view performance payments as free money and a joke. When will you end their contract, given this mocking attitude?

Answer from Huw Merriman (Rail Minister)

The Secretary of State and I made it clear that the behaviour was unacceptable after the incident. ASLEF withdrew overtime agreements, causing difficulties but they were reinstated. In May, there were almost 0% cancellations from Avanti incidents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm contract termination or action against management

How: Acknowledged Incident And Current Status, Implication Of Improving Performance

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Q6 Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South
Transport
Context

Residents are concerned about local roads due to potholes, congestion from utility works, and insufficient infrastructure for new housing.

Question

The condition of Aylesbury's local roads is the top concern raised by residents. Will my hon. Friend assure them that under this Conservative Government and their excellent council, road conditions will improve?

Answer from Guy Opperman (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport)

I met the council leader Martin Tett who is doing a fantastic job. We are investing £8.3 billion in road resurfacing and conducting street works consultations to crack down on utility organisations, ensuring they work faster and better.

Answered
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Q7 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Transport
Context

The Conservative Government promised to fix Hammersmith Bridge in their 2019 manifesto. The bridge has been closed for several months.

Question

Every day that Hammersmith bridge remains closed is a reminder that this Government cannot be trusted to fix even the most basic problems. Do the Conservative Government have any intention of keeping the promise they made in 2019 and fixing Hammersmith bridge?

Answer from Huw Merriman

The bridge is owned by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, which is not a Conservative borough. The Government have put money into stabilisation work despite not being the owner. We will do everything we can to work with the owners of the bridge.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on repair timeline or funding amount

How: Correcting Ownership Issue

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Q8 Philip Hollobone Con
Transport
Context

Junction 10A on the A14 is crucial for Kettering's housing expansion. North Northamptonshire Council will consider a relevant planning application next week.

Question

Junction 10A on the A14 is a crucial piece of future roads infrastructure to support Kettering's housing expansion. Should North Northamptonshire Council approve the relevant planning application this coming Monday, will my hon. Friend the roads Minister reconfirm his commitment to give the proper direction this project needs to proceed at pace, to visit the site with me and to arrange for me to meet with National Highways to ensure progress?

Answer from Guy Opperman

Yes, yes and yes.

Answered
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Q9 Chris Webb Lab Blackpool South
Transport Business Compliance
Context

Uber and similar companies are operating unlicensed taxis in Blackpool, posing a risk to public safety and taking business from licensed taxi drivers.

Question

Blackpool is experiencing the scourge of unlicensed taxis in our treasured seaside resort. Uber and similar companies, which have no operating licence in Blackpool, are allowing passengers to use their unlicensed taxis uninsured, creating a real public safety risk. These unlicensed taxis are parking in local ranks illegally, taking fares from our hard-working, rule-abiding Blackpool taxi drivers. What is the Minister doing to tackle these unlicensed drivers, and will he meet me to discuss this issue in my constituency?

Answer from Guy Opperman

May I first welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place? He is a worthy winner and I am delighted to see him in the House. The Government have published updated taxi and private hire vehicle best practice guidance for licensing authorities in England. A meeting will be arranged if required.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to meet

How: Welcoming Mp, Referring To Existing Guidelines

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Q10 Jeremy Quin Con
Transport
Context

Car racing is a significant problem on specific stretches of road in Horsham, posing real risks to road safety.

Question

In Horsham we have a significant problem with car racing on specific stretches of road. Does my right hon. Friend agree that there is a role for speed cameras in deterring those activities and the real risks they represent?

Answer from Mark Harper

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for raising the important matter of road safety. He is right that there is a role for speed cameras. Decisions for enforcing speed limits are for the police and local agencies. I know he has raised the issue with them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to use speed cameras

How: Reiterating Responsibility

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Q11 Tom Hunt
Transport
Context

Haughley and Ely North Junctions were promised funding but progress has been slow.

Question

I was pleased to have been told late last year that Haughley and Ely north junctions would be funded, but I have since become frustrated by the slow progress. Will the Secretary of State promise me that we will get on with these projects, which are crucial to Ipswich, Suffolk and East Anglia in general?

Answer from Huw Merriman

I can give that assurance to my hon. Friend. In October, the Prime Minister set out that we would deliver the rail junction at Ely and Haughley. It is a project that the Department is keen on, as it is good for freight and our freight growth target.

Answered
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Q12 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Transport
Context

Stagecoach South Western Trains, the predecessor to South Western Railway, was ordered to pay £25 million in compensation to 1.4 million passengers who were overcharged between 2015 and 2017.

Question

The Secretary of State will be aware that the courts yesterday awarded £25 million of compensation to 1.4 million passengers who were overcharged for rail fares between 2015 and 2017 by Stagecoach South Western Trains, the predecessor franchise to South Western Railway. Will he ensure that affected passengers are not left out of pocket, and get automatic redress, rather than having to make an historical claim?

Answer from Huw Merriman

I have been meeting the operators to discuss the matter. I am happy to write to her setting out the exact conclusion of those conversations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to automatic redress

How: Promising To Write

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Q13 Tobias Ellwood Con
Transport
Context

Upgrades to Pokesdown station have run into technical and financial problems.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State and the Rail Minister for their support for upgrades to Pokesdown station in my constituency, not least the improvements to the lifts, but the project has run into a few technical and financial problems; will the Secretary of State or the Minister update the House on it?

Answer from Huw Merriman

I promised my right hon. Friend from this Dispatch Box that the project would be delivered, and I continue to give him that assurance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific progress update

How: Reiterating Commitment

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Q14 Grahame Morris Lab Easington
NHS Transport
Context

Train companies are using unreliable data from freelance mystery shoppers to report KPIs on the experience of disabled passengers.

Question

How reliable are the key performance indicators that the train operators are quoting, which the Rail Minister mentioned earlier? The Disability News Service reports that train companies are sending unreliable statistics from freelance mystery shoppers who pretend to be disabled and give overly positive feedback about the experience of disabled passengers. Does he share my concern about that, and what can he do about it?

Answer from Huw Merriman

Data from mystery shoppers cannot be used unless those individuals have the disabilities they claim to. I will meet him and take him through the steps that are taken into account.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific action on unreliable data

How: Referring To Existing Criteria

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Q15 Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills
Transport
Context

The reopening of Aldridge train station is a £30 million project with 40 car parking spaces, supported by the Government and West Midlands Combined Authority. It is scheduled to be completed in 2027.

Question

I wish to place on record my thanks to the Minister's Department, the Government, former Mayor Andy Street and the West Midlands Combined Authority for their support in securing funding for the project through the city region sustainable transport settlement. Will my hon. Friend help me to continue to nudge Network Rail and others to progress this to completion in 2027?

Answer from Huw Merriman

Yes, I will meet the new Mayor to ensure that he delivers the project for 2027, as promised by Andy Street.

Answered
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Q16 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Crime & Law Enforcement Transport
Context

Road fatalities caused by motor vehicles remain high, with around five deaths per day. The Government has not published a road safety strategic framework.

Question

More people are killed by cows and lightning than by dangerous cyclists, whereas around five people a day are killed on our roads by motor vehicles—a level that has flatlined under this Government. When will the Transport Secretary publish the long-overdue strategic framework for road safety?

Answer from Guy Opperman

The Secretary of State took a decision on road safety yesterday, and I addressed the issue in a Westminster Hall debate recently. I will write to the hon. Member with more detail.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific publication date not given

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Q17 Nicholas Fletcher
Transport Local Government
Context

The Labour Mayor of South Yorkshire has received significant government funding but seems to be prioritising spending in Sheffield over Doncaster.

Question

Sadly, it appears that the Labour Mayor of South Yorkshire chooses to spend this money on Sheffield supertrams and Sheffield's transport infrastructure. Will the Minister send a clear message to him that he should spend this money not only wisely, but across the combined authority, not just in Sheffield?

Answer from Mark Harper

It is obviously up to mayors to decide how to spend the money, but I would expect them to spend it fairly across the entire region. Voters in his constituency and across the combined authority area will make the right decision.

Not addressed: shifted responsibility to voters

How: Shifts Responsibility

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Q18 Allan Dorans
Transport Energy
Context

New evidence shows that Ofgem's targeted charging review has led to significant increases in public EV charger standing charge rates, affecting consumers negatively.

Question

In one site in northern Scotland, the cost of public EV chargers increased from £315 to £809 per day. What will the Minister do to regulate the cost of electric vehicle charging nationally?

Answer from Anthony Browne

I met with Ofgem's chief executive earlier this week to discuss standing charges for charge point operators, which is one of the things that Ofgem is looking at.

Partly answered

Not addressed: no concrete action announced

How: Hedging

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Q19 Paul Howell
Transport
Context

The Minister is working to improve the supply of rolling stock orders, which could benefit companies such as Hitachi.

Question

How is the Minister working to improve the supply of rolling stock orders, to give customers a better experience, and importantly, to give companies such as Hitachi orders to bid for?

Answer from Huw Merriman

Yesterday an invitation to negotiate was sent out by Southeastern to five train manufacturers, including Hitachi. We have plans for 2,000 rolling stock orders worth a total of £3.6 billion.

Answered
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Q20 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Transport
Context

Road safety organisations and driving instructors are concerned that young drivers lack experience with night driving.

Question

Does the Minister intend to ensure that night driving becomes part of the test?

Answer from Guy Opperman

The test has become more difficult and onerous. We look at all aspects of post-test passing on an ongoing basis, but I will take the matter up with him personally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: no commitment to include night driving in test

How: Hedging

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Q21 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Transport
Context

Arriva withdrew bus services, creating a crisis in Buckinghamshire. Companies receiving taxpayer subsidy have a moral duty to maintain services or return funds.

Question

Does the Minister agree that companies that have been all too happy to take a taxpayer subsidy have a moral duty to maintain those services or give the money back?

Answer from Guy Opperman

We certainly expect those companies to engage with local authorities to ensure alternative service provision.

Partly answered

Not addressed: no agreement on moral duty stated

How: Hedging

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Q22 Alan Brown SNP
Transport Energy
Context

Other countries are getting ahead in SAF production, while the UK is consulting on a revenue certainty mechanism.

Question

When will the Government get the mechanism in place, and will they meet their unambitious target of five SAF plants by 2025?

Answer from Anthony Browne

The SAF mandate was published on 25 April, requiring 10% SAF across aviation by 2030. An eight-week consultation on the revenue certainty mechanism has been announced.

Partly answered

Not addressed: no concrete timeline given for mechanism establishment

How: Hedging

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Q23 Ian Levy
Transport
Context

The Moor Farm roundabout in Cramlington is a dangerous area, with residents avoiding it. Recent efforts include cleaning and marking the roundabout.

Question

Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss a more permanent solution, and the progress that I have made with Northumberland County Council and National Highways?

Answer from Guy Opperman

I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend, and to ensure that the good work by Northumberland County Council continues.

Answered
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