Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Passenger Rail Performance: Cumbria

Thursday 26 June 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Josh MacAlister questioned the need for upgrading the energy coast rail line in Cumbria due to outdated signalling and coastal erosion issues.
  • The Rail Minister acknowledged the need to work with Cumberland council and across departments to refine the business case for the rail line upgrade.
  • Chris Webb inquired about the necessity of a passing loop for the Blackpool South line to improve train frequency and reliability.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Josh MacAlister Lab Whitehaven and Workington
Transport Energy
Context

The Energy Coast Rail Line suffers from Victorian-era signalling, coastal erosion, and poor reliability. Businesses, Members of Parliament, and the local council are pushing for upgrades.

Question

The energy coast rail line in Cumbria is in desperate need of upgrading. It has Victorian-era signalling, and parts of the track suffer from coastal erosion. Upgrading the line would be of huge benefit to passengers, improving the reliability and speed of journeys, and to critical freight for the nuclear decommissioning work and for the shipyard work at Barrow. Businesses, other Members and I will meet the Minister for Rail next week to push for funding to get the final business case over the line. Will the Secretary of State confirm that her Department will work with me and others to ensure that the project is in the Government’s infrastructure pipeline when it is published?

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

My hon. Friend has been a great advocate for his constituents on this topic and makes a strong case for the scheme. My officials are working with Cumberland council and across Whitehall to refine the business case he refers to. I know the Rail Minister looks forward to meeting him next week to discuss it.

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Q2 Chris Webb Lab Blackpool South
Transport
Context

The South Fylde Line requires a passing loop to allow trains to pass each other and provide reliable, frequent rail services. The Government recently invested £4 million in local bus services.

Question

In 1911, Blackpool was home to the busiest railway station in the world—a testament to our town’s rich transport heritage. Today, the Blackpool South line urgently needs a passing loop to enable trains to pass each other and deliver the reliable, frequent rail service that our community in South Shore deserves. The Government’s recent £4 million investment in Blackpool’s local bus services was welcome. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the long-overdue need for investment in the Blackpool South line to finally deliver that passing loop?

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

This Government are committed to investing in local transport around the UK. I am pleased that we have been able to make such a substantial investment in bus services in my hon. Friend’s constituency. Fylde council’s business case found that there was potential to increase frequency on the south Fylde line. I know the Rail Minister would be happy to meet him to discuss the matter further.

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