Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Access: Grimsby and Cleethorpes

Thursday 15 May 2025 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Melanie Onn asked about the proposed direct rail service from Cleethorpes to London, citing potential economic benefits.
  • The Rail Minister responded that East Midlands Railway plans to introduce a direct Nottingham-Cleethorpes service but any London-Cleethorpes service would be discussed after the spending review.
  • Martin Vickers requested a commitment to seriously consider a direct rail service between Cleethorpes, Grimsby, and King's Cross, emphasizing its importance.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Melanie Onn Lab Great Grimsby
Transport
Context

Local analysis shows a direct service from Cleethorpes to London could deliver annual growth of over £30 million. The project is supported by local businesses, industry, and constituents.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure that the proposed direct rail service from Cleethorpes to London definitely leaves the station? Local analysis shows this could deliver annual growth of over £30 million to our region.

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)

Subject to final industry planning, East Midlands Railway plans to introduce an all-day direct Nottingham-Cleethorpes service in December. The Rail Minister has been looking into possible London-Cleethorpes trains and will discuss this with the hon. Member after the spending review. Grand Central's application for open-access services between London and Cleethorpes is under review by the Department, which will provide views to the regulator.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Provided no specific commitment or timeline for securing funding or ensuring implementation of the service

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Q2 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Transport
Context

The MP has been raising the prospect of a direct service from Cleethorpes and Grimsby to King’s Cross since 2011.

Question

Will the Minister give an absolute assurance that he and the Rail Minister will seriously consider the importance of a direct service between Cleethorpes, Grimsby, and King's Cross?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)

A decision is ultimately a matter for the regulator. Open access can provide benefits such as improved connectivity and choice but also increase costs to taxpayers and create additional performance pressures on an already constrained network. The Department will look at applications on a case-by-case basis.

Not addressed: Changed subject entirely without addressing the question of providing assurance or commitment

How: Changed Subject, Did Not Provide Assurance

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