Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Supporting Economic Growth

Thursday 27 March 2025 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial officials and the North East combined authority have been meeting regularly with Gateshead council to address issues related to the Gateshead flyover.
  • Scotland's ferry network is facing challenges including disruptions, cancellations, and a planned 10% fare increase.
  • The Secretary of State has met with a Member of Parliament to discuss potential interventions for improving transport on the Isle of Wight.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Ferguson Lab Gateshead Central and Whickham
Economy Transport
Context

The question relates to the impact of the Gateshead flyover on local businesses and residents in Gateshead, which is a significant barrier to job creation and economic development.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for her response. Can she update me on the conversations the Department has had with Gateshead council about the state of Gateshead flyover? This 400-tonne barrier to jobs running through the middle of our town is holding back businesses and growth, and stopping us achieving our full potential.

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

I recall meeting my hon. Friend just before Christmas, and I appreciate how critical the resolution of this issue is to his constituents and the wider area. My officials, along with colleagues from the North East combined authority, have been meeting regularly with Gateshead council to build the case for the regeneration of the area, facilitated by the planned demolition of the flyover. I know that the Minister for Future of Roads visited Gateshead in January to see the issues for herself.

Answered
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Q2 Douglas McAllister Lab West Dunbartonshire
Transport Scotland
Context

The question highlights the issues faced by Scotland’s ferry network, including ferry cancellations, disruptive repairs, and fare hikes imposed by the Scottish Government, impacting island communities and depriving the local economy of growth opportunities.

Question

Scotland’s ferry network to the islands is an essential transport system. Island communities have at times been effectively cut off due to ferry chaos, disruptive cancellations and expensive repairs. The SNP has decided to inflict a 10% fare hike and sent a contract for seven new ferries to Poland. The Scottish Government are depriving Scotland’s iconic shipbuilding industry of much-needed growth and jobs. Can the UK Government assist the Scottish Government with fundamental reform of how we procure and run ferries in our country?

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

As all of us know, Scotland has a world-renowned shipbuilding industry, so it saddens me that, under the SNP, Scotland’s ferries are being built elsewhere. I am aware that Scottish colleagues want to see reforms to how ferries are run and procured. In the meantime, I urge the Scottish Government to reconsider sending vital jobs and investment abroad.

Partly answered

Not addressed: UK government's direct involvement in ferry procurement reform

How: Urges Reconsideration By Scottish Government

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Q3 Joe Robertson Con Isle of Wight East
Transport Local Government
Context

The question addresses the need to regulate private equity involvement in ferry services connecting the Isle of Wight with the mainland, which impacts local connectivity and economic growth.

Question

I welcome the Secretary of State’s comments on improving everyday transport for UK residents, and her comments on Scottish ferries. Does she agree that my constituency, on the Isle of Wight, should not be left behind in the Government’s transport plans? Will she agree to intervene and look at all options in order to regulate private equity—currently, we are entirely reliant on it for our connectivity with the UK mainland, which is harming our local economy—and to look at the potential of empowering any future combined mayoral authority with some regulatory power over cross-Solent transport?

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

I had a useful meeting with my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight West (Mr Quigley) about this issue a couple of weeks ago, and I am afraid he slightly beat the hon. Gentleman to it in suggesting that we should consider what powers might be available through any future mayoral combined authority. Let me assure the hon. Gentleman that we are speaking to stakeholders across the island, including the ferry operators, to understand these issues in more depth and how we might make improvements going forward. That engagement will continue, and my hon. Friend the Maritime Minister will have a meeting with all stakeholders in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific intervention or regulatory powers

How: Continuing Stakeholder Engagement, Upcoming Meetings

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Q4 Graham Leadbitter SNP Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Economy Transport
Context

The question focuses on the importance of regional airports beyond London and requests information on efforts to address regional growth through airport investments.

Question

Regional growth is really important for the wider economy. There has been a huge focus on London airports—Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton—in recent weeks. What efforts is the Transport Secretary making to address regional growth and regional airport investment?

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

I meet my counterpart in the Scottish Government regularly, and I will discuss this issue with her. The potential expansion of Heathrow is very important for regional connectivity to our other airports. With regard to Scottish airports, if there are specific issues that the hon. Gentleman would like to bring to my attention, I would be very happy to have that conversation with him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific actions or investments for regional airports

How: Discussion With Scottish Counterpart, Willingness To Discuss Specific Issues

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