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East West Rail: Bedford to Cambridge — [Sir Mark Hendrick in the Chair]
13 June 2023
Lead MP
Richard Fuller
North Bedfordshire
Con
Responding Minister
Huw Merriman
Tags
EmploymentClimateStandards & Ethics
Word Count: 13693
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Richard Fuller raised concerns about east west rail: bedford to cambridge — [sir mark hendrick in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Anthony Browne
Con
South Dorset
Mr. Browne discussed the mixed opinions in his constituency regarding East West Rail, highlighting benefits for Cambourne residents but concerns for villages along the route. He questioned the need and economic impact of the project, emphasizing issues with water supply and housing growth projections. Mr. Browne also addressed property blight and compensation issues, raising specific design questions about the railway's visual impact on local areas.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
Daniel Zeichner acknowledged the long-standing debates around East West Rail and expressed a desire to move beyond discussions towards action. He highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the project, including improved connectivity between Cambridge, Milton Keynes, and Oxford. Zeichner emphasized the need for electrification and questioned the extent of resources allocated to the project without clear outcomes. The Member questioned the expenditure on an alternative road scheme and asked who was still working on it. He also inquired about the business case development process and the methodology used to assess regeneration and decarbonisation benefits.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
The Member intervened to correct a statistic regarding electrified miles under Labour's tenure, emphasizing their track record of rolling stock investments. He challenged the government's claim by citing examples from his constituency where infrastructure growth was driven by other factors.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Mr Yasin expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed six-track East West Rail route on Bedford residents, stating that it will lead to the demolition of at least 66 properties, including 37 residential homes. He urged the government to treat affected residents with respect and compassion and provide fair compensation. Mr Yasin also criticised the lack of a formal business case for the project and called for electrification or carbon-free power for East West Rail. Asked the Minister if he would commit to putting the proposals on hold if a majority of participants in the statutory consultation oppose the plans, aiming to prove constituents' doubts wrong.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Emphasised the importance of connecting Cambridge and Oxford via rail, highlighting economic benefits such as job creation and improved local economies. Noted that travel time between Bedford and Cambridge would be reduced from 90 minutes to 35 minutes with the new connection. Criticized the slow progress on the project and called for full electrification of the route. Raised concerns about the demolition of homes in affected constituencies and the need for clear consultation and support for residents. Rebutted the Minister's comments on rail electrification, highlighting that only 2.2 km of rail line has been electrified in the past year and criticising the Conservative Government for failing to prioritise rail electrification.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
On the question of growth, East West Rail should be a real opportunity for growth, but real problems will arise if the surrounding infrastructure is not there. She also argued that it is unfair to call people who raise concerns about the lack of necessary services nimbys and stressed the importance of additional infrastructure such as bus services and GP services. We are in a climate emergency. If people want to really see the benefits of a new infrastructure, they need to see the benefits to both the environment and their health. The Government are not making electrification the main priority.
Government Response
Huw Merriman
Government Response
The Minister responded to concerns raised during the debate on East West Rail, emphasizing the project's economic benefits for the Oxford-Cambridge corridor. He acknowledged potential impacts on local communities and promised detailed responses on specific points such as releasing detailed maps and engaging property owners about current corridors. The minister highlighted plans for a statutory consultation in the first half of next year to present technical and operational design proposals alongside mitigation measures for environmental impacts. He committed to delivering a 10% biodiversity net gain across the entire project, reviewing traction options like full electrification along the line, and ensuring transparency in consultations. The Minister also discussed housing challenges and international competitiveness, asserting that East West Rail would deliver workforce support for Oxford and Cambridge.
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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.