Leamside Line — [Mr Philip Hollobone in the Chair]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on bringing this important debate. The Leamside line would give people from across the region access to Newcastle institutions, enhancing economic interconnectivity and critical mass.

She highlighted the lack of investment in rail infrastructure in South Tyneside and Gateshead, stating that the Leamside line closure for over three decades has hindered job opportunities and economic growth. She cited figures showing London received more than double the transport spending per capita compared to the north-east in 2019-20, with £877 spent per head in London versus around £300 per head in the north-east.

Mr Jones highlighted the cross-party and community support for reopening the Leamside line, criticizing the government's exclusion of the project from their integrated rail plan. He argued that Transport North East's comprehensive transport plans were being undermined by vague promises of future city region deals without proper funding or devolution. He pointed out inefficient use of funds like the Beeching reversal fund and criticized the £640 million feasibility study for extending the Tyne and Wear metro to Consett, which exceeds the entire budget allocated for such projects. Commented on the underinvestment in rail infrastructure and highlighted the loss of £224 million funding for Durham County Council since 2010, leading to cuts in bus services. Why is the Government linking this vital investment to rejigging their arrangements for the region when there is no need? The Minister has not answered the question and continues to talk about co-operation, but the region is already doing that. There is unanimity and leadership among all councils and partners in the region now.

I thank my hon. Friend for securing this really important debate and joining the hon. Member for Sedgefield at Follingsby to show unity on proceeding with the Leamside line.

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate, expressing the real problem for people in our area: if they do not have a car, their employment opportunities are significantly reduced due to lack of public transport.

I thank the hon. Lady for giving way again. Does she agree that the Leamside line has the potential to provide resilience to the east coast main line? Reopening the Leamside line is crucial for levelling up in the north-east, offering historical significance and economic benefits. It would enhance local transport connectivity, boost employment, and attract private investment. The current rail infrastructure at Ferryhill is inadequate, with nearly 35% of the population relying on slow buses without access to cars or vans. Mr Howell also highlighted that reopening Ferryhill station could serve as a catalyst for wider Leamside line restoration.

My constituency has received massive investment, and reopening the Leamside line would open up job opportunities in Darlington for her constituents. Stressed the need for improved rail infrastructure in the north-east to level up and enhance connectivity. Highlighted £105 million investment in Bank Top station, the potential benefits of the Leamside line, and support for a feasibility study into restoring the Darlington to Weardale line. Asked the hon. Lady to outline why the last Labour Government did not deem it necessary to reopen the Leamside line.

Emphasised the importance of the Darlington station changes for the Weardale line, advocating for a package approach that includes the Leamside line to expand capacity in the north-east. Mr Holden praised the Leamside line for its potential to improve transport infrastructure in the north-east, supporting levelling-up initiatives. He noted that the project would enhance capacity on the east coast main line, facilitate direct rail transit for freight, and enable people to access employment and education opportunities more easily.

Dhesi praised the cross-party support for reopening the Leamside line and highlighted its economic benefits, noting that every local journey contributes £8.50 to the north-east economy. He criticised the lack of progress on the project despite widespread support from businesses, councils, and transport authorities. Dhesi also expressed disappointment over the absence of the Leamside line in the integrated rail plan and called for investment in the east coast main line corridor.