Topical Questions 2026-07-16
2026-07-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the government's responsibility to improve transport networks, mentioning specific improvements like new Cambridge South station funded by £250 million.
I am concerned about improving everyday journeys across the country through better railways, buses, cycling, and walking infrastructure. Can you make a statement on how your department is fulfilling its responsibilities?
We are improving everyday journeys across the country, starting with our railways where £250 million Government funding has opened a new Cambridge South station. Publicly owned railway services are now more punctual than those not yet in public ownership and we have announced measures to crack down on fare dodgers through new ticket gates. On buses, families benefit from free travel for children aged five to 15 throughout August. The third cycling and walking investment strategy sets a 2035 target for over half of short journeys to be walked or cycled.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP references the opening of 'No. 10 North', suggesting that public scrutiny on service levels will increase.
Given the creation of “No. 10 North”, I expect further public scrutiny of its service levels, especially for passengers travelling between Euston and the north-west of England who are experiencing delays and uncertainty. Can you provide assurances on future service improvements?
Performance on Avanti West Coast has not been good enough, and these services will come into public ownership next year. This new status will ensure better scrutiny from No. 10, the travelling press pack, as well as my hon. Friend.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP criticizes the Labour policy on implementing 20 mph zones in London boroughs and cities, citing a Welsh Government's blanket implementation as a failure.
In many places, councils are trying to unpick the last Welsh Labour Government's blanket 20 mph speed limits. Why is the Secretary of State trying to repeat that policy which is causing chaos for motorists in rural communities?
We are not imposing anything, as the right hon. Gentleman well knows. We do not impose policies and know that 20 mph zones save lives since hitting a car at 30mph is five times more likely to cause death than at 20mph.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the poor road conditions on the A120, which affects a community of 20,000 people and serves Harwich port and freeport.
Can you explain when the A120 to Harwich will be upgraded? The existing road is long past its renewal date and causes significant issues in winter. It's vital for growth in the east of England as it serves Harwich port, the freeport, and a deprived community of 20,000 people.
We are investing over £7 billion in UK roads and I would be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss his specific circumstances regarding upgrading the A120 to Harwich.
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Assessment & feedback
I Would Be Delighted To Meet The Hon. Gentleman
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Research by the British Airline Pilots' Association found that one in seven students are paying for their pilot training through remortgaging property.
Right now, one in seven students pay for their pilot training through remortgaging property. How is the Secretary of State working with the aviation sector to reduce these financial barriers?
This Government are committed to enabling aviation employers to recruit and train pilots from a broader talent pool across the United Kingdom, by removing regulatory barriers and promoting aviation opportunities.
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Assessment & feedback
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents have long called for the A69 to be detrunked as an alternative route via the A689 is available.
Can you confirm that detrunking this section of the A69 would not be a major change to the strategic road network, given recent safety incidents on the A69 at Warwick Bridge?
National Highways is considering with local partners the case for detrunking A69 and trunking A689, but this process is complex. I will ask National Highways to update my hon. Friend when more information is available.
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Assessment & feedback
National Highways Is Considering
I Will Ask National Highways To Update
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about potential disruption from the EES on passenger and freight traffic using the channel tunnel and port of Dover.
I do not want the grievance; I want the solution. Can you confirm what proactive action the Secretary of State will take to achieve an agreement with the European Commission and French authorities to suspend this system until it works properly?
We are taking proactive action, have spoken with French and European counterparts about using the full range of easements, and provided funding to juxtaposed controls so they can prepare before any disruption occurs.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over road network strain on junction 25 of the M1 due to increasing traffic and need for new homes.
This Government have promised to deliver new homes, but our road network is overloaded. My constituents are concerned about growing strain on junction 25 of the M1 as National Highways also acknowledges. Can the Minister explain how National Highways and local authorities can work better together to listen to and respond to concerns, and ensure that new homes come alongside proper upgrades to infrastructure?
National Highways and local authorities are working together through initiatives, such as the £165 million growth and housing accelerator fund, to unlock housing sites where transport infrastructure is a barrier. I will ask National Highways to reach out to my hon. Friend.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how local authorities and National Highways will collaborate specifically on junction 25 of the M1
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Councils face a backlog of £17 billion in road repairs due to potholes, and new AI-based road repair technology exists that can prevent early cracks from becoming potholes.
At a recent packed talk with my Highfields residents, they told me the same thing that all my residents tell me about: the scourge of potholes. We know that councils are facing a backlog of £17 billion in road repairs, but new technology exists that can detect early cracks and seal them before they become potholes. Will the Secretary of State commit to funding the roll-out of that preventive AI-based road technology, instead of constantly chasing the problem?
We have invested over £7 billion precisely so that we can turn the corner on constantly having to react to potholes and go back to the same one time and again. We are investing £30 million on Live Labs 2, so that we can use new innovative technologies to finally turn the tide.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to funding the specific AI-based road technology mentioned by the questioner
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Roads in the constituency, including B1125, are becoming rat runs due to increased traffic on A12. The questioner seeks a full multi-agency response for road safety.
Does the Secretary of State agree that we need a full multi-agency approach to ensure better road safety? Does she also agree that Suffolk county council and Suffolk Highways should convene a meeting with me to discuss how we can deliver better, safer roads?
I would be happy to ask the Minister for Road Safety to discuss this matter further with my hon. Friend and ensure appropriate meetings take place.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly commit to a multi-agency approach or a specific meeting on road safety
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The current plan to put traffic lights in place for improvements to A605 and Tinwell junctions on the A1 is not seen as the right approach by National Highways.
I am grateful to the Government for considering improvements to the A605 and Tinwell junctions on the A1, but the current plan is to put traffic lights in place and National Highways agrees that that is not the right approach. Will the Government put the funding, which is welcome, into widening the slip roads, which are far substandard and below the national requirements?
I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss this further.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to widening slip roads or funding specific improvements at Tinwell junctions
Meet The Hon. Lady To Discuss
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The constituency has been let down by previous Government regarding transport connectivity, including buses, trains, and roads.
On buses, on transport and train connectivity, and on our roads, Newcastle-under-Lyme was let down and left behind by the previous Government. Will the Minister set out what we are doing to get a grip, and can we meet to discuss the transport priorities of my constituents?
The Government are committed to improving transport connectivity across the country. Through the £2.3 billion local transport grant, Staffordshire will receive more than £96 million by 2030, providing the certainty and flexibility to deliver better connections, support economic growth and improve outcomes for communities. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend, as, I am sure, would my colleagues.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify detailed measures for Newcastle-under-Lyme or commit to a meeting
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Seventeen-year-old Oakley Meer lost his life in a collision on Beachy Head Road, Eastbourne. The questioner seeks a meeting to discuss road safety measures.
Seventeen-year-old Oakley Meer lost his life in a collision on Beachy Head Road in Eastbourne. Will the Minister meet me and Oakley's family to discuss how we can improve road safety on that treacherous road?
I extend my sympathies to the family, who are the hon. Member's constituents. I would, of course, be very happy to meet them to talk about what we can do to improve safety on that road, as we are doing across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions for improving safety on Beachy Head Road
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The council applied to the structures fund after a local MP raised the matter here, but despite pleas for action, proper diversions have not been implemented. The bridge is vital on Great North Run day.
Heugh Street bridge has been closed since November. The council only applied to the structures fund after I raised the matter here, and despite pleas, it has still not implemented proper diversions. The bridge is absolutely vital on Great North Run day in September. Can the Minister suggest what else we can do next?
As somebody who is running the Great North Run this year, I hope that the local highways authority will grip this issue and ensure it is dealt with. The structures fund is open for applications until 3 August.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not suggest concrete actions other than applying to structures fund
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
The Under-Secretary of State will be visiting Immingham later. The questioner asks if he agrees that his journey would be more convenient with a direct train service and encourages him to join the campaign.
The Under-Secretary of State for Transport will be visiting Immingham this afternoon. Does he agree that his journey would be much more convenient if there were a direct train service from King's Cross to my constituency, and will he join my campaign to ensure that happens?
The hon. Gentleman is a dogged campaigner for providing that rail link and I will report back to him about the quality of my journey. I am excited for the steel signing ceremony ahead of the opening of the new eastern roll-on roll-off terminal at the port of Immingham, which I understand the hon. Gentleman has been a passionate champion of.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to supporting campaign or joining effort for direct train service
Report Back About The Quality Of My Journey
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner seeks encouragement for Government's traffic commissioner to emulate the success of Manchester's Bee Network through bus franchising.
Would the Minister encourage the Government's traffic commissioner for Scotland to build on the remarkable success of bus franchising in Manchester, and work with the Scottish Government to emulate the success of Manchester's Bee Network in my constituency of Paisley and Renfrewshire North?
As reporting from Greater Manchester's Bee Network shows, bus franchising can deliver improved services for passengers, and the Government are taking steps to support the roll-out of bus franchising in England. Obviously, transport is a devolved matter, but I encourage Ministers in Scotland to learn from the success of Labour mayors in England.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to encouraging traffic commissioner for specific action or supporting the initiative
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government cancelled the A38 in Derby and A46 in Newark road projects without informing stakeholders, leading to confusion.
The Government have cancelled the two main road projects in the east midlands—the A38 in Derby and the A46 in Newark. The Government did not inform anyone. What does the Secretary of State have against the east midlands? Will the incoming Prime Minister do something to fix this mess?
These proposals will be consulted on. The A38 Derby junctions and the A46 Newark bypass schemes are not scheduled to start main construction until RIS3, and their cancellation would have less significant impact compared with other schemes.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about incoming PM's actions was ignored
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
Kent county council wrote to Transport for London asking it to consider options for bus route 96, with its preferred option being that it should terminate in Dartford town centre.
Reform-led Kent county council wrote to Transport for London asking it to consider a number of options for bus route 96, including terminating the route in Dartford town centre from now on. Does my right hon. Friend agree that section 173(1) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 allows cross-boundary routes to operate in that way?
I agree. While I do not expect much from Reform-led administrations, I would at least expect them not to work against local people's interests as described. I urge the county council to support the campaign for constituents and residents.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about Section 173(1) was ignored
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Morton asks about the potential for Aldridge railway station to receive future funding.
As this could be the right hon. Lady's last appearance at the Dispatch Box as Transport Secretary, will she leave a note for her successor asking them to look again at Aldridge railway station? Will she remind Mayor Parker to put back the funding that he took away?
I am not sure notes work out well. This is a decision for the Mayor of the West Midlands, who will continue to campaign on this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about leaving a note was ignored
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
Rhodes asks about the potential impact of HS2 on west coast main line services between Glasgow and London.
What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the potential impact of HS2 on west coast main line services between Glasgow and London?
HS2 will deliver significant benefits for Scotland. It aims to maintain service frequency, increase seat availability, and offer a 20-minute faster journey time.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about an assessment was ignored
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
Slade asks about allowing councils to introduce side road zebra crossings in areas with collision issues.
In Manchester, London and now Wales, side road zebra crossings without Belisha beacons are allowed. Dunyeats Road suffers from multiple issues causing collisions. Will she consider allowing councils to bring forward these crossings?
We are spending £280 million on improving station accessibility and intend to legislate for side road zebra crossings in future.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about problematic areas was ignored
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
Cooper asks how stations like Northwich railway station can access accessibility improvement funding.
How will stations such as Northwich railway station be able to access accessibility improvement funding to deliver an accessible station for my constituents?
£280 million is being spent on improving station accessibility. I will seek new opportunities to fund further work on stations as part of future spending discussions.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about Northwich was ignored
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
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Context
Paul raises concerns over e-bikes causing injuries due to their weight.
The Secretary of State will know that e-bikes do not require insurance, but we are seeing some pedestrians suffer catastrophic injuries. Is she giving any consideration to reviewing the rules on this issue?
The hon. Lady is right to raise concerns about illegal e-bikes. New powers in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 mean that police can seize these bikes when they are used antisocially without giving a warning.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about reviewing rules was ignored
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
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Context
Leishman asks about protecting fuel security and Scottish jobs, including those of tanker drivers.
Fuel is being transported hundreds of miles from Stanlow in Cheshire to Scottish airports. What will the Department do to protect fuel security and Scottish jobs?
Fuel security is of great importance, and we remain in regular contact with the Scottish Government and other devolved Governments to ensure co-ordinated response readiness.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about actions was ignored
Response accuracy
Q25
Partial Answer
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Context
A person with a pram, heavy luggage, bike, or disability finds it difficult to use the railway without step-free access. There is no alternative form of transport available.
If a person has a pram, heavy luggage or a bike, or is disabled, it is difficult to use the railway if there is no step-free access. Further to the Secretary of State's answer to the hon. Member for Mid Cheshire (Andrew Cooper), can she outline whether rural areas will be prioritised for step-free access in the future? For many of those people, there are no alternative forms of transport.
When we are investing in the accessibility of stations in the future, we need to get maximum benefit for the travelling public. I hope to have future discussions about future rounds of the Access for All scheme—improvements are being rolled out at 31 stations under that scheme, as a result of the £280 million I mentioned earlier.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify if rural areas will be prioritised for step-free access.
General Statements About Future Discussions
Response accuracy
Q26
Direct Answer
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Context
The Minister for local transport set out the Department's actions contributing to halving violence against women and girls within 10 years.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am sure that you and all Members of this House are hoping to get a holiday in at some point during this recess, so I wish you a hassle-free journey out and back home.
My Committee is today launching an inquiry on safer journeys for women and girls. The Minister for local transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham South (Lilian Greenwood), has set out the Department's actions contributing to the Government's goal of halving violence against women and girls within 10 years. What will the Transport Secretary be doing to monitor and measure the effectiveness of those actions?
My Committee is today launching an inquiry on safer journeys for women and girls. The Minister for local transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham South (Lilian Greenwood), has set out the Department's actions contributing to the Government's goal of halving violence against women and girls within 10 years. What will the Transport Secretary be doing to monitor and measure the effectiveness of those actions?
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend and her Committee for their interest in personal safety on the transport network, especially that of women and girls. We have an ambitious, evidence-based programme to tackle VAWG on the transport network, and we are delivering nine commitments under the “Freedom from violence and abuse” strategy, including funding to improve CCTV connectivity between stations and the British Transport police. We are also launching mandatory crime and antisocial behaviour training for bus industry staff.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
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Context
Baddington bridge has been under a 7.5 tonne weight restriction since September, causing significant costs for local businesses and farms.
Baddington bridge has been under a 7.5 tonne weight restriction since September 2025, with an hour-long diversion, leading to significant additional costs for local businesses and farms. Without a workable alternative, some drivers are ignoring the restriction, causing damage and disruption to country roads and nearby bridges. Will the Minister work with me and urgently review Cheshire East council's application to the structures fund, so that we can reopen the bridge as soon as possible?
I will of course meet the hon. Lady. Applications for the structures fund are still open, and we will make a decision in due course on any applications made.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to an urgent review.
Applications Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q28
Partial Answer
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Context
Albert bridge in Battersea was closed, leading to significant delays and disruption. Engagement efforts have been difficult.
In February this year, the Albert bridge in my constituency was closed. This, coupled with changes to Battersea Bridge Road and the surrounding roads implemented by Transport for London, is causing significant delays, disruption and congestion. Despite my painstaking attempts to engage with TfL over the past five months, it is proving quite difficult. TfL is not engaging with the lived experience of my constituents and myself, so will the Secretary of State engage with TfL on my behalf, to ensure that it engages and works with the constituency MP?
Ministers are in close contact with TfL on a range of issues, including this one, and obviously the structures fund is open for applications, should the parties involved wish to pursue that route.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific engagement with TfL.
General Statements About Contact
Response accuracy
Q29
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister wrote that Hammersmith bridge would be a suitable candidate for the structures fund, but Hammersmith and Fulham council decided not to apply due to suitability concerns.
Earlier this year the Minister for roads, the hon. Member for Wakefield and Rothwell (Simon Lightwood), wrote to me to say that Hammersmith bridge in my constituency would be a suitable candidate for the structures fund, but Hammersmith and Fulham council has just decided not to make an application on the basis that the structures fund is not suitable for repairs. Will the Minister please meet me as a matter of urgency to determine whether the structures fund remains a suitable way of funding repairs to Hammersmith bridge?
I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady, but I will say once again that we would welcome an application from Hammersmith and Fulham council for the bridge in question.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to determining suitability urgently.
Welcoming Applications
Response accuracy
Q30
Partial Answer
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Context
Longton station was allocated money from the transforming cities fund to install a lift, but this money was reallocated by the city council towards paving slabs.
Longton station in my constituency was allocated money from the transforming cities fund to have a lift installed. Unfortunately, that money was reallocated by the city council towards some paving slabs. Can I have a meeting with the Department to look at how we can get funding back for lifts at Longton station and then protect that money so that it cannot be reallocated to other projects?
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this issue. One of the key things that we are trying to do is improve public transport nodes, so I would be interested to discuss this matter with him further.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to protecting funding from reallocation.
Welcoming Meetings
Response accuracy
Q31
Partial Answer
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Context
Haslingden Old Road has been shut for two years due to a landslip.
Haslingden Old Road in my constituency has been shut for two years due to a landslip. Will the Minister support me in urging Reform-led Lancashire county council to get this road reopened, as it is such a vital backbone going through my constituency?
I encourage the local authority to get a grip of this issue. Of course, Reform-led councils do not have a great record. It is the party with the most councils that are red-rated on potholes and so on, and I encourage it to take action on this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide support or commitment to urging reopening.
Criticism Of Reform-Led Council
Response accuracy
Q32
Partial Answer
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Context
Passengers are experiencing repeated cancellations and poor performance on the Fen line.
Passengers on the Fen line from King's Lynn are suffering repeated cancellations and an unacceptably poor level of service. Now that the Government control both the track and the trains, will the Transport Secretary intervene and demand a robust action plan to sort out this poor performance?
As I said earlier, publicly owned operators are performing better, on average, when it comes to reliability and cancellations. On the particular issue with the Fen line that the hon. Gentleman raises on behalf of his constituents, I will seek more information about what is causing the problems there and what plans the local operators have to improve the situation for him and his constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to a robust action plan or intervention.
Seeking Further Information
Response accuracy
Q33
Direct Answer
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Context
Unreliable train wi-fi in the north-east and north-west hinders productivity. The Government is investing in technology for improved wi-fi services.
Businesses and individuals are increasingly discovering the advantages of living and working in the north-east—and no doubt the north-west, too—but unreliable train wi-fi means that journeys to the regions are too often dead time. I know that the Government are investing in technology to improve wi-fi services, but can the Minister tell me when we will see reliable wi-fi on LNER services, so that the whole nation's productivity can be improved?
As I said in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Camborne and Redruth (Perran Moon), we are planning to begin procurement for enhanced wi-fi across the rail network later this year. That will include LNER, because in the spending review the Chancellor allocated £57 million to deploy low earth orbit satellite technology on our mainline trains. We need to get that procurement done, and then it can be rolled out from there.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q34
Partial Answer
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Context
Passengers often face difficulties when rural bus routes are disrupted, leaving them stranded without clear information.
For many, rural bus services are the only way to buy food, to get to work, school or medical appointments, or to access services. A shuttle bus is meant to replace the 173 First Bus service during six months of roadworks on rural roads, but would-be passengers could not find any details or get through to the operator, and they were left standing in extreme heat at the roadside. Will the Minister ensure that when routes are disrupted, operators and local transport authorities provide clear, accessible and timely information so that passengers are not left stranded?
It is important that when bus services are disrupted, people are given timely information to ensure that they can undertake their journey. I will reiterate that all local authorities and bus operators should do just that.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to ensuring clear disruption information
Under Review
Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q35
Partial Answer
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Context
Construction of the midlands metro tram line has caused disruption to local businesses in Dudley.
I am delighted that the midlands metro tram line will connect Dudley with the rest of the west midlands. However, the construction has caused disruption to local businesses such as the Dubliner's, and repeated delays have exacerbated that. What support can the Minister provide to businesses that are being impacted by the repeated delays to the tram?
I am obviously sorry to hear about the disruption to businesses in my hon. Friend's constituency. Let me take this issue away for her and talk to the Mayor of the West Midlands and all relevant parties to ascertain whether anything can be done to mitigate the impact on her constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific support measures
Will Focus On
Considering This
Response accuracy
Q36
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents of Spelthorne are eager for the five local stations to be included in the travelcard fare payment zone.
All my residents in Spelthorne and I are desperate to get Spelthorne's five stations into the travelcard zone. The Secretary of State has looked at this in the past, but will she look again, with South Western Railway, at the financial modelling being used to say that it is not possible? I think a load more people would use that trainline if it were in the travelcard zone.
I appreciate the importance of affordability to the travelling public, and I understand the desire of the hon. Gentleman's constituents to see lower fares. We are rolling out pay-as-you-go ticketing to make journeys frictionless in the south-east, but there are currently no plans to expand that London-wide fare payment zone.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reviewing financial modelling
No Plans
Response accuracy
Q37
Partial Answer
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Context
The ZEV mandate review should consider the entire EV supply chain, including domestic lithium mining, battery production, and charge point operators.
Whenever the Secretary of State reviews the ZEV mandate, will she confirm that she will consider the entire electric vehicle supply chain, including the billions invested in domestic lithium mining, battery production and charge point operators, and not just the views of ICE-based legacy car manufacturers?
My hon. Friend is right to point to the fact that the EV industry depends on not only automotive manufacturers but the billions of pounds in the charge point sector and the workers who underpin it. Throughout our consideration of the ZEV mandate, we will ensure that our environmental obligations are met alongside making good business sense for all relevant partners in the sector.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm full supply chain review commitment
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q38
Partial Answer
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Context
Hampshire county council is reducing funding for bus services despite the Government's initiative to give children free bus travel.
We very much welcome the Government's initiative to give children free bus travel throughout the summer—it is a great idea. The only problem is that in Winchester and its surrounding area, Hampshire county council keeps cutting funding for bus services. Will the Minister explain what the Department is doing to encourage councils and operators to increase rather than decrease bus services?
In addition to delivering £3 billion across the country—we have a new, formula-led way of doing that, rather than the competitive allocations of the previous Government—we have given local transport authorities increased powers to take back control of bus services, be that through enhanced partnerships, franchising or local authority-led bus companies.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address increasing services despite cuts
Under Review
Looking At
Response accuracy
Q39
Partial Answer
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Context
Most of the roads in Cambridgeshire will end up in a smaller unitary authority as part of the local government reorganisation.
Some 40% of roads in Cambridgeshire take up roughly 80% of the highways budget. With the forthcoming announcement about local government reorganisation in Cambridgeshire, what assessment has the Department made of the feasibility of that being deliverable given that most of those roads will end up in the same, much smaller unitary authority?
We continue to liaise closely with other Government Departments during the reorganisation. I am obviously happy to enter into further conversations with the hon. Member on his specifics.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a concrete feasibility assessment
Will Focus On
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q40
Partial Answer
Cheltenham train passengers have a continual frustration with the turnaround time at Gloucester. There is also a new frustration: I wonder whether the Secretary of State or a Minister can tell me why so many trains due to terminate at Cheltenham unexpectedly terminate at Gloucester?
The Rail Minister often tells me that the art of answering questions on transport is to have all the detail at your fingertips. I must disappoint the hon. Gentleman, as I do not have the specific answer he seeks, but I promise him that I will go away, find out and come back to him.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why trains terminate at Gloucester
Will Check
No Information
Response accuracy
Q41
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent was nearly knocked over by an illegal e-bike on a dedicated cycle path.
One of my constituents was nearly knocked over on a dedicated cycle path by an illegal e-bike. Riders in the gig economy in particular ride fast and dangerously. What steps are being taken to tackle the demands of illegal bikes in the gig economy?
Dangerous behaviour by any road user is, of course, completely unacceptable. We are aware of the concerns raised about the use of illegal e-bikes, particularly in relation to the gig economy. My Department has commissioned specific research into those issues so that we can better plan action to tackle that.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete steps against illegal bikes
Under Review
Commissioning Research
Response accuracy
Q42
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP chairs the all-party parliamentary group on cabin air quality and met with pilots and cabin crew to discuss fume events that can have lifelong consequences for them. The issue is related to pilot and passenger safety.
In my capacity as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on cabin air quality, I recently met pilots and cabin crew about the impact of fume events and the lifelong consequences they can have for them. What steps are the Government taking to investigate, research, regulate and mitigate those issues?
Let me thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. Air quality in relation to both pilot and passenger safety is of real concern to the Department for Transport. We undertake work constantly to monitor the impact of cabin air quality on those affected groups, and I would be glad to have a further conversation with him to take that work further.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to investigate, research, regulate and mitigate issues related to fume events were not detailed or committed to.
We Undertake Work Constantly
Response accuracy