Union Connectivity Review

Acknowledged the SNP Government's delivery of the borders railway as a benefit to constituencies. Brown criticized the Union Connectivity Review as a vanity project by Westminster. He highlighted infrastructure achievements in Scotland under SNP governance, including road systems like the M74 and M80 motorways, the Queensferry bridge, and upgrades to the A75 and A77 roads. Brown argued that these improvements were made possible by EU funding and pointed out that Conservative promises from decades ago remain unfulfilled.

She emphasized the importance of physical connectivity within the United Kingdom, particularly for Northern Ireland. She urged the Government to review and possibly scrap the domestic air passenger duty as it disproportionately affects outer regions and hinders economic growth. Lockhart also supported a feasibility study on a fixed connection between Northern Ireland and Scotland, dismissing nationalist opposition.

Thanking the hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk for securing the debate, Christine Jardine highlights the importance of improving transport links across the UK while addressing environmental concerns. She expresses disappointment in the absence of aviation industry considerations in the interim report and calls for support to ensure its climate-friendly credentials are improved.

The A75 road in Dumfries and Galloway has received little investment from the Scottish National Party despite being identified as a priority. The Union connectivity review identifies its strategic importance for traffic coming from Northern Ireland but no meaningful upgrades have been made. Mundell calls on the SNP Government to grasp this opportunity and dual the A75 between Gretna and Stranraer, stressing that cross-border connectivity also includes upgrading junction 45 of the M6 to prevent heavy traffic in Gretna's wedding industry area.

Reminded hon. Members about changes to normal practice due to new hybrid arrangements, including adjustments in debate timings and the need for Members to remain present throughout.

The review is an insular exercise, ignoring Scotland's broader international trade capacity. The Prime Minister wants to build a bridge next to unexploded bombs and nuclear waste without considering the Isle of Man's status in the Union. Decades-old infrastructure issues, such as upgrading the Cumberland Gap section of the M6, highlight that UK Government priorities do not align with Scotland's needs. There is no plan to improve high-speed rail or freight capacity on the west coast main line.

He emphasised the need for efficient rail connectivity in north Wales, noting that only 1% of cross-border commuting is by rail. He advocated for eight train paths an hour and faster line speeds to improve connections between Ynys Môn, the North Wales coast, Merseyside, and Manchester. He also called for HS2 to work effectively for north Wales and asked about the allocation and prioritisation of the initial £20 million UCR fund.

She highlighted the importance of cross-border rail services between south Wales and Bristol, noting that over 9 million passenger journeys were made in 2018-19. The Severn tunnel junction station has seen significant growth despite losing services, yet there is no investment to meet growing demand. She criticised overcrowding on GWR morning services and the DFT's blocking of additional cross-border services from Welsh Government.

Speaking from a pro-Union perspective, Jim Shannon discusses the disconnection felt by his constituency due to the Northern Ireland protocol. He lists various goods that businesses cannot access and calls for changes to ensure people feel connected within the UK. Additionally, he suggests reducing air passenger duty and investing in airports and shipping ports in Northern Ireland.

The UK Government are using the powers granted by the United Kingdom Internal Market Act to bypass the Scottish Parliament and govern against devolved priorities. The Union connectivity review lacks consultation, showing a superiority complex with one nation conservatism. A physical link between Northern Ireland and Scotland will not fix the burden of increased paperwork due to leaving the single market and customs union. The UK Government must honour their commitment to infrastructure investment by ensuring adequate funding for decisions made by each devolved government.

I thank the hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (John Lamont) for bringing forward this important debate on connectivity throughout the United Kingdom. The Union Connectivity Review was announced during the coronavirus crisis, highlighting the need to rebuild across the whole UK, working in partnership with devolved Governments and mayoral regions. The transport sector has been severely impacted by the pandemic, operating at minus 94% for air travel and minus 79% for rail services compared to usual activity levels. There is potential for transport improvements to boost economic recovery while meeting net zero commitments.