Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Railway Capacity

Thursday 9 January 2025 · 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

  • Charlotte Cane asked about the Ely area capacity enhancement scheme, which could deliver economic and environmental benefits.
  • Ruth Cadbury inquired if the Government plans to link phase 1 of HS2 north of Birmingham to other parts of the country to drive national growth.
  • Paul Kohler questioned the Secretary of State about reviewing the classification of HS2 as an England and Wales project, and committing to a high-speed rail link from Birmingham to Crewe.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Charlotte Cane Lib Dem Ely and East Cambridgeshire
Transport
Context

The Ely area capacity enhancement scheme aims to improve railway capacity, potentially delivering over a quarter of a million extra rail passenger journeys annually and reducing lorry traffic. The business case shows every pound invested will deliver nearly £5 in benefits.

Question

What steps she is taking to increase railway capacity, specifically regarding the Ely area capacity enhancement scheme which could deliver significant economic and environmental benefits?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)

I understand how passionately the hon. Lady feels about the scheme, and my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield and Rothwell responded to her written parliamentary question on this matter at the end of November. Projects like Ely Junction have the potential to contribute to our plans to deliver economic growth; however, a decision on the scheme will be subject to the outcome of the upcoming spending review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm specific funding or timetable for the Ely area capacity enhancement scheme

How: Subject To Spending Review

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Q2 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Transport
Context

The original HS2 vision was to link London with the midlands and north, addressing capacity challenges on the west coast main line. Previous government decisions led to cost overruns and partial mothballing of phase 1.

Question

Does the Government plan to deliver a rail solution linking phase 1 of HS2 north of Birmingham to other parts of the country to drive growth for the whole nation?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)

When we entered Government in July, we found a collection of unfunded spending commitments for rail schemes up and down the country. We are now working to identify a realistic pipeline of affordable schemes that will deliver better connectivity in partnership with local leaders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to delivering an integrated HS2 project linking all regions

How: Working On Realistic Pipeline

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Q3 Paul Kohler Lib Dem Wimbledon
Transport Wales
Context

The previous government decision to classify HS2 as an England and Wales project deprived Wales of billions in Barnett formula funding. Baroness Randerson was a strong advocate for improved transport links to Wales.

Question

Will the Secretary of State review the Tories’ decision on classifying HS2 as an England and Wales project, thus depriving Wales of funding, and commit to a high-speed rail link from Birmingham to Crewe?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)

I have met Ken Skates, the Welsh Minister for Transport, and am working closely with the Secretary of State for Wales on public transport improvements in Wales. We hope this will be Baroness Randerson’s lasting legacy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to reviewing HS2 classification or delivering specific rail link from Birmingham to Crewe

How: Working Closely With Welsh Minister

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