Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport Connectivity: Border Communities

Tuesday 23 June 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

  • Matt Bishop inquired about funding for improving transport connectivity in border communities, highlighting the reliance of his constituents on cross-border links for daily activities.
  • Bishop followed up to ask if the Treasury is considering supporting investments in cross-border transport connectivity, stressing the importance for his constituency on the English-Welsh border.
  • Tim Farron raised concerns about the deferred TriLink railway upgrade scheme, crucial for connecting north-west England and southern Scotland, citing the urgency following a near-fatal derailment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Matt Bishop Lab Forest of Dean
Economy Transport
Context

The Forest of Dean relies on cross-border transport links, and there is a need to improve these connections.

Question

I am concerned about the discussions my colleagues have had regarding funding for improving transport connectivity in border communities. My constituents rely heavily on cross-border transport links for work, education, and healthcare. I ask whether improving connectivity can drive economic growth and what considerations the Treasury is giving to support investment in key infrastructure.

Answer from Lucy Rigby

Border communities rely on strong transport links, and my hon. Friend is a strong advocate for his constituency. The Government continue to deliver for all parts of the UK, including investments in places like Padeswood as part of the £445 million allocated for rail enhancements in Wales at the 2025 spending review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific investment or funding commitments requested were not detailed

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Q2 Matt Bishop Lab Forest of Dean
Transport Wales Local Government
Context

Transport links in the Forest of Dean are critical for constituents to access work, education and healthcare.

Question

I am following up on my earlier question about cross-border transport connectivity. My constituency is located on the English-Welsh border, with many residents relying on these connections daily. I inquire specifically into whether the Treasury is considering supporting investments in this crucial infrastructure.

Answer from Lucy Rigby

My hon. Friend's constituency relies heavily on strong transport links, and the Government continue to deliver for border communities with investments such as £445 million allocated at the 2025 spending review for rail enhancements in Wales, benefiting both sides of the English-Welsh border.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific investment or funding commitments requested were not detailed

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Q3 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Economy Transport
Context

The TriLink scheme, which connects north-west England with south Scotland, has been deferred by successive governments. This delay may have contributed to recent safety concerns such as the derailment near Shap.

Question

I am concerned about the long-standing deferral of the TriLink railway upgrade scheme that is crucial for connecting north-west England and southern Scotland on the busiest line in western Europe. The near-fatal derailment at Shap suggests the urgency of this improvement, so I ask if Andy Burnham understands the need to extend infrastructure investment beyond certain regions.

Answer from Lucy Rigby

My right hon. Friend will speak for himself, but I am confident he understands the importance of national growth beyond specific regions. The Government's approach aims to stimulate economic growth across all areas rather than focusing on limited postcodes.

Not addressed: The questioner's direct query about Andy Burnham's stance and investment plans was not addressed.

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