Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor

Monday 23 February 2026 · 3 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

  • Ministerial assessment indicates significant progress on the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor in the past 13 months.
  • Consultation on a Greater Cambridge urban development corporation ends on April 1, followed by a summary of responses and formal government response.
  • Minister agrees to meet Ben Obese-Jecty and the chief executive of Huntingdonshire district council to discuss RAF Wyton's involvement in Project Fairfax and related plans.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Education Economy Transport
Context

The Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor has been a focus for economic development. Daniel Zeichner is concerned about the progress of this initiative.

Question

What recent assessment have you made with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of progress in delivering the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

In the 13 months since we announced plans to supercharge growth in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, significant progress has been made, including through updated proposals on East West Rail, the establishment of an Oxford growth commission and tangible steps towards realising the full potential of Greater Cambridge.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics of recent assessment with Cabinet colleagues

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Q2 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Economy Local Government
Context

Following the initial question, Daniel Zeichner seeks further details on specific steps expected to be taken along the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.

Question

I am grateful for your work on this issue and pleased with the recent announcement of a consultation on the development corporation. What further steps can we expect in the coming months?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

Following the consultation on a Greater Cambridge urban development corporation, which ends on 1 April, we will publish the summary responses and a formal response setting out the Government's next steps. As ever, I strive to ensure that hon. Members from Cambridgeshire are fully informed about government thinking.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions beyond publishing consultation responses

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Q3 Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon
Defence
Context

RAF Wyton in Ben Obese-Jecty's constituency is involved in a major land use project called Project Fairfax, which aims to utilise surplus Ministry of Defence land for development.

Question

Defence will be a key pillar of the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor. Given RAF Wyton's involvement in Project Fairfax and the existing collaboration with Huntingdonshire district council, will you meet me and the chief executive of the council to discuss how we can supercharge these plans?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

I am more than happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.

Not addressed: Details of planned actions for accelerating growth in Project Fairfax

How: Deflection

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