Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Tyne Bridge: Celebrating 100 Years — [Sir Roger Gale in the Chair]

23 June 2021 · 3 other contributors · 3,135 words

Opened by Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

Responding minister: Eddie Hughes

TransportCulture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Chi Onwurah raised concerns about tyne bridge: celebrating 100 years — [sir roger gale in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The Tyne bridge has not received proper maintenance since its last full paint job in 2000, raising concerns about safety and preservation.
  • The lead MP requests 18.5 million from the levelling up fund for the Tyne bridge's refurbishment and celebration in 2028.
  • The minister acknowledged Newcastle's bid for the levelling-up fund but could not comment on specific bids due to ongoing assessment.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP requests that the Minister support the £18.5 million needed from the levelling up fund for the Tyne bridge's refurbishment and celebration in 2028. She also asks how the Minister will ensure local communities benefit and if he will work with other Departments to celebrate engineering stories, particularly those of women engineers like Dorothy Buchanan.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

The Tyne bridge, a symbol of the north-east's engineering prowess and culture, is facing disrepair. It has not received proper maintenance since its last full paint job in 2000, with concerns about safety checks, repairs, preservation, and upkeep being overdue. The lack of recent significant celebrations for the bridge, compared to similar iconic structures like the Sydney Harbour bridge, highlights a potential neglect by the Government towards the region.

Other contributors (3)
  • Andy McDonald Lab Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland

    Dorman Long, based in Middlesbrough, played a pivotal role in building not just the Tyne Bridge but also other significant structures such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Their contribution to engineering should be celebrated.

  • David Rutley Con Macclesfield

    The Tyne Bridge is a marvel of engineering, constructed by Middlesbrough firm Dorman Long and designed by George Washington Fellows. It has been crucial to local communities and the economy for over 90 years.

  • Margot James Constitutional Conservative Stourbridge

    The Tyne Bridge is an iconic symbol of British engineering excellence, marking a century of service and innovation in structural design.

Government Response

Eddie Hughes

The minister praised the Tyne bridge as a source of immense pride for communities in the north-east, noting its importance as an international symbol of Tyneside's industrial excellence. He welcomed proposals to celebrate the anniversary and acknowledged Newcastle's bid for the levelling-up fund, though he could not comment on specific bids due to ongoing assessment. The minister highlighted significant government investments in the region, including £47 million from the getting building fund, £198 million through the transforming cities fund, and more than £9 million from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport culture recovery fund. He also expressed his enthusiasm for engaging more women in engineering.

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