Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

East Coast Main Line Funding

10 May 2023 · 3 other contributors · 4,727 words

Opened by Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North

Responding minister: Jesse Norman

Transport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Catherine McKinnell raised concerns about east coast main line funding in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The east coast main line carries 80 million passengers annually and 30 billion of freight.
  • One third of the UK population lives within 20 minutes of an east coast main line station, generating nearly half of the country's economic output.
  • The minister committed to 1.2 billion in enhancements by 2024 and 2.7 billion from the Intercity Express Programme for the east coast main line.

Key requests to Government

The Minister is asked to commit fully to delivering interventions outlined in the integrated rail plan for the east coast main line. The MP also seeks a commitment from the Rail Minister to meet the all-party group to discuss progress on these plans and address funding concerns. Additionally, questions are raised about timetable changes and the Union connectivity review response.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North

The east coast main line carries 80 million passengers annually and £30 billion of freight. One third of the UK population lives within 20 minutes of an east coast main line station, creating nearly half of the country's economic output. The last major investment was in 1991 with electrification completion. Delays and cancellations cost the economy over £62 million annually if halved. Major infrastructure projects such as HS2 eastern leg and Northern Powerhouse Rail have been cancelled or mothballed, causing significant concern.

Other contributors (3)
  • Grahame Morris Lab Easington

    The hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North made a good case highlighting issues along the east coast main line, emphasizing cross-party support and regional impacts.

  • Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

    Stressed the importance of restoring direct rail services from King's Cross to Grimsby and Cleethorpes, advocating for local business and community support. He expressed hope that the campaign would gain traction in improving railway services.

  • Paul Howell Lab Sedgefield

    Emphasised the importance of resilience in rail networks, particularly highlighting the Leamside line and its impact on connectivity in North East England. Noted demographic changes and infrastructure developments such as the economic campus in Darlington and improvements at Durham station.

Government Response

Jesse Norman

The minister thanked Catherine McKinnell for securing the debate on East Coast Main Line funding, acknowledging £1.2 billion in enhancements by 2024 and £2.7 billion from the Intercity Express Programme. He detailed digital signalling investments nearing £1 billion and improvements planned through the Integrated Rail Plan to reduce journey times between London and Newcastle by over 20 minutes, aiming for enhanced capacity and reliability.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy