Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport Infrastructure Upgrades

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 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Wendy Morton raised the possibility of using the Sutton Park line to increase rail capacity in the Midlands.
  • Anneliese Dodds inquired about the timeline for announcing the structures fund to support the Kennington bridge project.
  • Mr Mark Francois questioned the Secretary of State about the timeline for the lower Thames crossing and the financial institutions involved.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills
Transport
Context

The Secretary of State for Transport has recognized the value of the midlands rail hub and the investment needed there, which will create much-needed capacity through central Birmingham.

Question

Given that recognition, does she agree now is exactly the moment to look at options such as the Sutton Park line to enable maximization of rail traffic through more passenger services?

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

I am keen that we look comprehensively at options for unlocking capacity that the midlands rail hub will provide. The right hon. Lady raises an important point about the Sutton Park line, and I am happy to talk to officials about whether that capacity could be unlocked as part of the scheme.

Partly answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Anneliese Dodds Labour (Co-op) Oxford East
Transport
Context

The structures fund announced in June will help deliver transport infrastructure upgrades effectively. The repair and enhancement of Kennington bridge could support the Oxford flood alleviation scheme.

Question

When will the Secretary of State announce the arrangements for the structures fund, so that my area can apply for funding for the Kennington bridge project?

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

My right hon. Friend is completely right to highlight the importance of the structures fund. There are bridges, flyovers and tunnels across the country where the local authority with responsibility for the structure is simply unable to meet the whole cost of repairing it. I intend in the new year to set out more details about the £1 billion fund, which will enable both the repair of structures and enhancements to our local road network.

Partly answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford
Transport
Context

The lower Thames crossing is the second largest piece of infrastructure in the country after High Speed 2. There has been no clear timeline or funding source for its completion.

Question

When will the work commence, when will the crossing be open to traffic, and which banks and companies will fund it?

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

I have said to the right hon. Gentleman before that we are exploring private finance options to deliver the lower Thames crossing, having granted planning consent through a development consent order earlier this year. Enabling works, including utility works, could begin next year, before 2027, and the crossing should be open for use by vehicles in the mid-2030s.

Partly answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Dave Robertson Lab Lichfield
Transport
Context

The midlands rail hub project will bring huge benefits to Lichfield, Burntwood, and the villages by doubling services per hour to Birmingham. Constituents are wary about big infrastructure projects due to HS2-related disruptions.

Question

What reassurance can the Secretary of State give that this Government have learned lessons from the previous Government and will make sure that HS2 Ltd acts swiftly and decisively to limit further disruption?

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

My hon. Friend is completely right. The previous Government lost control of HS2—there is no doubt about it. This Government commissioned the James Stewart review, which made a number of important recommendations to improve project delivery. Those lessons are informing a fundamental review of HS2 that will provide certainty to communities about how long disruption will last. The Stewart review will also support improved practice on future infrastructure projects, including the midlands rail hub.

Partly answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email