Great Britain-Northern Ireland Tunnel 2021-03-03
2021-03-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions around the feasibility and viability of a tunnel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are ongoing, with emphasis on connectivity for Northern Ireland's economic recovery.
What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the feasibility and viability of a tunnel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State and I have regular conversations with ministerial colleagues regarding transport connections, which are particularly important for Northern Ireland given its unique position. Connectivity across the UK is vital to fuel Northern Ireland's economic recovery and strengthen the Union. The Prime Minister commissioned a Union connectivity review to consider these important connections, including the feasibility of a fixed link between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about the tunnel's feasibility and viability were not provided; instead, general statements about connectivity and economic recovery were given.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Previous discussions have failed to address the practical challenges and costs associated with a tunnel project, including geological issues and differing rail gauges between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
In those discussions, could the Minister not get together with the Department for Transport and point out the huge cost, the geological problems and the inconvenient reality that Britain and Ireland operate on a different rail gauge? Is it not time to dump this project at an early stage, along with the garden bridge, into the bin and save a lot of money, effort and probably a few column inches in articles?
I have to say that I am not impressed with the right hon. Gentleman's lack of ambition. I want to make sure that we look at all options to support connectivity to Northern Ireland, and I am grateful that we have a Prime Minister who is willing to do that.
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Assessment & feedback
The question was about practical challenges of the tunnel project, but the answer dismissed the criticism without addressing any specific issues.
Lack Of Ambition
Response accuracy