Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cross-border Train Services

Wednesday 11 September 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

  • Minister met with the Transport Secretary to discuss rail infrastructure and cross-border connectivity.
  • Network Rail and Transport for Wales announced a programme to increase rail capacity by 40%.
  • Government requires Avanti West Coast to improve performance through contractual mechanisms.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Shaun Davies Lab Telford
Transport
Context

The question was prompted by ongoing discussions on improving cross-border rail connectivity between England and Wales, specifically focusing on the Telford to Birmingham International line which is critical for university access and economic ties.

Question

Whether she has had recent discussions with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) the Welsh Government on steps to improve cross-border train services. The train line from Aberystwyth to Birmingham via Telford is vital, providing connectivity to the university and supporting economies in mid-Wales, Telford, and Shropshire. What conversations has my right hon Friend had with the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and the Department for Transport about improving that line and rolling stock?

Answer from Jo Stevens

I met the Transport Secretary last week to discuss rail infrastructure and steps to improve cross-border connectivity. I joined the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary, Ken Skates, to announce a joint Network Rail and Transport for Wales programme increasing rail capacity by 40%, with more timetabled services on the north Wales main line. Conversations have focused on enhancing the Cambrian line's rolling stock and infrastructure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding conversations about improving the Aberystwyth to Birmingham International via Telford line was not fully addressed, focusing instead on broader cross-border connectivity improvements.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Shaun Davies Lab Telford
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about the rail line from Aberystwyth to Birmingham International via Telford, which serves universities and supports economies in mid-Wales, Telford, and Shropshire. The question follows recent discussions on improving cross-border connectivity.

Question

What conversations has my right hon Friend had with the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and the Department for Transport about improving that line and rolling stock?

Answer from Jo Stevens

I agree with my hon Friend on the importance of the Cambrian line, and work is ongoing. Network Rail has improved infrastructure to support new trains and considers enhancements including electrification for passenger benefits.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding conversations about improving the Aberystwyth to Birmingham International via Telford rail line was not fully addressed, focusing instead on broader improvements to the Cambrian line's rolling stock and infrastructure.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about high cancellation rates on the north Wales to London rail network, particularly the Avanti West Coast service which has 15.4% of services cancelled in August, three to four times higher than other areas.

Question

On-the-day cancellations on the north Wales to London lines stood at 15.4% in August. We have the highest cancellation rates for the entire Avanti network, three to four times higher than the next worst part of the network. How will the Secretary of State use her role to stop Avanti punishing Welsh travellers?

Answer from Jo Stevens

The Government require Avanti West Coast to improve performance. Regular performance reviews are held, compliance with contractual obligations is closely monitored, and improvements are driven using contractual mechanisms.

Answered

Not addressed: null

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Transport Wales
Context

The MP is concerned about chronic underfunding and poor service quality on rail networks in north Wales, particularly the Avanti West Coast service which has high cancellation rates. The issue was raised previously by the Shadow Secretary of State who called for better funding for Wales.

Question

Sadly, it seems that between the Welsh Government and Labour in government here in the UK, that service in north Wales is not a priority—we see that in the rate of on-the-day cancellations. The truth is that the railways are broken, and Labour's plan fails to address the chronic underfunding that is the cause, particularly in Wales. In 2022, the Secretary of State—then shadow Secretary of State—said it was “utterly illogical” to designate HS2 as an England and Wales project, and called on the Conservatives to “cough up” the billions owed to Wales. Will she cough up now?

Answer from Jo Stevens

We cannot change past decisions on HS2, but we work closely with colleagues to develop and invest in transport projects improving services across Wales. We need the Conservatives to accept responsibility for chaos and waste during their tenure.

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding holding the Conservative government accountable for underfunding was not addressed, instead focusing on past decisions made by the previous administration.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)