House of Commons · Westminster Hall
07 September 2022 · 4 other contributors · 7,169 words
Opened by Peter Dowd Lab Bootle
Responding minister: Karl McCartney
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Peter Dowd raised concerns about liverpool port access: rimrose valley in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP asks National Highways to produce a scheme that achieves the goals without harming Rimrose Valley and calls for investment in rail freight, active travel, and clean public transport. He urges exploration of sustainable solutions as outlined in the Sefton Council and Arup report.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The proposed road through Rimrose Valley would damage the only significant area of green space in Bootle, affecting community cohesion and health. The valley offers a vital habitat for wildlife and is essential for physical and mental well-being. It also provides respite from pollution generated by port traffic on surrounding roads, with residents near the port having a life expectancy 12 years less than those just a mile away.
Raises concern about air quality and public health impacts linked to 40,000 deaths annually due to poor air quality. Criticises the Department for Transport's road proposal as contrary to Government's own goals of improving air quality. The MP agrees that Rimrose Valley is crucial for community cohesion, linking families and friends across generations. He supports the need to maintain green spaces and improve air quality, emphasizing the inextricable link between transport issues and environmental concerns. All the campaigns, my hon. Friend and I agree about the importance of transport and investment to unlock opportunity; we question the nature of the proposed infrastructure, especially regarding HGV issues. National Highways labelled inquiries as 'vexatious,' which is inappropriate and undermines engagement efforts.
Highlights inequality in transport funding across different regions, using Bradford as an example where Northern Powerhouse Rail plans do not include full station access.
Calls for the Government to uphold vital protections for nature-rich sites and green spaces under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, noting concerns over environmental impact assessments.
Mr Mike Kane highlighted the importance of Liverpool port to Merseyside, north-west England, and the UK. He mentioned Peel's major investments at Port Salford and the new Everton stadium in Liverpool city region. However, he criticised the plans for Rimrose Valley as not ambitious enough given the Government's green agenda. He pointed out that residents near the port have a low life expectancy, with some of the worst air quality in the country due to high CO2 emissions from HGVs. Mr Kane also emphasised the need for alternatives to road construction and advocated for an integrated transport strategy focusing on rail connectivity.
Government Response
Karl McCartneyIt is a pleasure to take part in this debate, particularly in the role of responding to points raised by colleagues. I thank Mike Kane for his kind words and comments. Transport links are crucial for productivity, innovation, and economic growth, which is why we have provided devolution deals to mayoral combined authorities to ensure transport connectivity maximises economic growth and supports thriving communities. Since 2010, more than £33 billion has been invested in transport infrastructure in the north, with a £96 billion integrated rail plan over the next 30 years focusing on inter-city connections and east-west links. The Government are also spending over £24 billion between 2020 and 2025 on our strategic road network, including the A5036 Princess Way linking the port of Liverpool to the motorway network. Solutions for improving the A5036 include a new road between M57 and M58 and the port of Liverpool, which aims to improve journey times, reliability, quality, safety, reduce noise and dust nuisances, and enhance environmental and amenity value. The current proposal includes full commitment to measures mitigating impacts through Rimrose Valley and enhancing the environmental and amenity value of the current park and open area of land north of the park. National Highways is committed to working with all stakeholders for the right result for the city region and the country. I urge Bootle MP Peter Dowd not to give up but to be prepared to compromise and negotiate, emphasising the willingness to achieve remarkable solutions despite negativity. The Liverpool city region mayoral combined authority is developing its fourth local transport plan, including a strategy for freight and logistics with National Highways' assistance, awaiting the outcome with interest. I reaffirm thanks to colleagues who have spoken and whose points have been taken on board.