Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Hadrian’s Wall: Newcastle’s West End

01 February 2022 · 1 other contributor · 3,730 words

Opened by Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

Responding minister: Nigel Huddleston

Culture, Media & SportEnvironment

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 hadrian’s wall: newcastle’s west end in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Chi Onwurah is concerned about the neglect of Hadrian's Wall in Newcastle's west end and the misdirection of tourists away from the wall.
  • Onwurah requests collaboration with cultural bodies and the Department for Education to promote educational materials about Roman Newcastle and its parallels with contemporary Newcastle.
  • The hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central asks for a rerouting of the Hadrian's Wall path to follow the actual route more closely, particularly in Newcastle's west end and other areas.

Key requests to Government

Onwurah asks the Minister to ensure that his Department will not fund or support activities that do not recognise Hadrian's Wall's real route through Newcastle's west end. She requests collaboration with cultural bodies and the Department for Education to promote educational materials about Roman Newcastle and its parallels with contemporary Newcastle. Additionally, she seeks the education of trail partnership on historical accuracy and funding for archaeological investigations into the wall's route in Elswick and Westgate Roads. The hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central asks for a rerouting of the Hadrian's Wall path to follow the actual route more closely, particularly in Newcastle's west end and other areas. She also seeks better signage along the wall through funding from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

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

Chi Onwurah is concerned about the neglect of Hadrian's Wall in Newcastle's west end. She points out that while many tourists are directed away from the wall by National Trails and other tours, significant traces of the wall remain in her constituency, including parts discovered during routine drain maintenance last year. The area around the wall is economically deprived with high levels of multiple deprivation and litter problems. Onwurah also highlights historical diversity within Benwell, which she compares to today's multicultural community along West Road. The hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central is concerned about the accurate representation of Hadrian's Wall and its route, especially in the west end of Newcastle. She highlighted the importance of educational benefits derived from the wall and mentioned the celebration of the wall's 1,900th year with a focus on local communities.

Other contributors (1)
  • Mary Glindon Lab North Tyneside

    Mary Glindon supports Chi Onwurah's points, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Hadrian's Wall where it truly is. She mentions that Newcastle has been an important settlement since Roman times and highlights the need for continuity in representing history.

Government Response

Nigel Huddleston

The Minister for Heritage acknowledges the passion and vigour for Hadrian's Wall in Newcastle, highlighting its global significance as a world heritage site. He notes that about 1 million people benefit directly from Hadrian's Wall and emphasizes its role in education, tourism, and local pride. The Minister also mentions ongoing work with DEFRA to ensure heritage protection and promotion through environment land management schemes. In response to the specific concerns raised, he commits to discussing potential rerouting of the trail and better signage along the wall, emphasizing the importance of accurate historical representation.

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