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Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange
10 September 2024
Lead MP
Alberto Costa
South Leicestershire
Con
Responding Minister
Not recorded
Tags
Defence
Word Count: 4475
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Alberto Costa raised concerns about hinckley national rail freight interchange in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key Requests to Government:
Costa asked the Minister to explain why there was a delay in making a decision and requested a meeting with her or any of her colleagues after this debate to discuss the process. He also suggested that the Labour Government could proactively look at creating a proper framework policy to identify appropriate sites for such logistics parks, ensuring strategic co-ordination and fair distribution across the country.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Alberto Costa cautiously welcomed the news that the Secretary of State is minded to follow the Planning Inspectorate's recommendation to withhold consent for the proposed Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange, but expressed concern over the decision to delay making a final decision until March 2025. He highlighted the impact on communities within two miles of the site and mentioned that over 92,000 people would be directly impacted by the development. Costa also noted widespread opposition from local councils, transport authorities, and residents, who were concerned about traffic congestion and safety issues.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Constituents are concerned about the decision delay, questioning why it would change a position where local impacts outweigh national benefits. Evans also highlighted that key information was missing during the appeal to the inspectorate, leading many communities to believe the development was a done deal and now expressing anxiety due to an unusual delay.
Mark Hendrick
Lab Co-op
Preston
The MP informed the Minister that a member had apologised for having to leave urgently.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.