Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 20 November 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 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tom Tugendhat questioned the Secretary of State about concerns over fare increases for Tonbridge and Borough Green due to the expansion of the contactless system.
  • Callum Anderson requested a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss the potential of East West Rail for revitalising Bletchley.
  • Max Wilkinson inquired about government assistance for repairing the Spring bridge and encouraging the county council to open one lane as soon as possible.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Tugendhat Con Tonbridge
Transport
Context

The Secretary of State is aware that TfL has no mandate beyond London, and there are concerns about extending the peak hours system to areas outside London.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that TfL has absolutely no mandate to increase the price on rail fares to Tonbridge by extending the peak hours system in London to areas where contactless is now being considered? Will she assure me that rail fares to Tonbridge and Borough Green will not go up through a contactless increase?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

The expansion of the contactless system to wider areas of the south-east is welcomed by many Members across this House, given the convenience it offers. However, if the right hon. Gentleman has concerns regarding fare increases for his constituents in Tonbridge and Borough Green due to contactless implementation, he can write to me with details of his concern, and I will be happy to respond.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not explicitly commit to preventing fare increases but offered to review the matter if provided specific detail.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q2 Callum Anderson Lab Buckingham and Bletchley
Transport
Context

East West Rail promises transformative changes for the town of Bletchley, unlocking economic potential through improved rail connectivity between key cities.

Question

Will the Secretary of State meet me and key strategic partners to discuss how we can realise the opportunity provided by East West Rail for the revitalisation of Bletchley?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

I am very happy to ask the Rail Minister to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the transformative potential of East West Rail for his constituency, as I have seen from his recent Instagram post explaining some improvements at Bletchley station.

Answered

Not addressed: null

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q3 Max Wilkinson Lib Dem Cheltenham
Transport Local Government
Context

The Spring bridge in Cheltenham, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, requires urgent work due to a landslip. The current Liberal Democrat administration needs help from the Government.

Question

What can the Government do to help the current Liberal Democrat administration speed up the work on repairing the Spring bridge and will they encourage the county council to open one lane as soon as possible?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

I suggest that the hon. Member may wish to advise his council on considering the process for securing money from the structures fund, which we will announce details of in the new year. This fund is designed to help resolve situations such as those described by the hon. Gentleman.

Answered

Not addressed: null

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q4 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Transport
Context

There is growing evidence of dangers caused by headlight glare, with the Department undertaking its own research on the issue.

Question

Could the Minister give an indication of when new regulations might be brought forward to reduce the risks associated with headlight glare?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

Last year we commissioned groundbreaking independent research to better understand problems related to headlight glare. We are looking at the matter and considering how it might be taken forward, although—given that the issue is subject to international vehicle regulations—the process may take time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide a specific timeframe but indicated ongoing work and consideration of regulatory changes.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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