Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Rail Connectivity: Oxfordshire

27 November 2024 · 2 other contributors · 2,906 words

Opened by Charlie Maynard Lib Dem Witney

Responding minister: Lilian Greenwood

HousingTransport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Charlie Maynard raised concerns about rail connectivity: oxfordshire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Charlie Maynard is concerned about severe transport and housing issues in West Oxfordshire, citing a projected 62% population increase since 2000.
  • Maynard asks the government to support a feasibility study and explore funding mechanisms like land value capture to fund railway improvements.
  • The minister acknowledged Oxfordshire's need for improved connectivity but noted funding challenges for rail line reopening projects.

Key requests to Government

Maynard asks the government to support the feasibility study being conducted by Lichfields and to explore innovative funding mechanisms such as land value capture. He suggests that this could fund about 50% of the railway line, with Homes England covering the remaining half.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Charlie Maynard Lib Dem Witney

Charlie Maynard is concerned about the severe transport and housing issues in West Oxfordshire. He highlights that since 2000, the population of Oxfordshire has increased by a quarter, with an additional 62% increase expected under the new national planning policy framework. The A40 corridor, which connects Oxford to points west, is under significant pressure, with journey times set to increase by 30 minutes by 2031 due to severe constraints. Maynard also emphasizes that RAF Brize Norton, a crucial airbase for international transport, lacks a railway connection and suffers in times of peace and war.

Other contributors (2)
  • Calum Miller Lib Dem Bicester and Woodstock

    Congratulated the hon. Friend on securing the debate, highlighting the misery experienced by constituents due to daily travel on the A40, emphasising that new housing developments will exacerbate this unless solutions like improved railway connectivity are found.

  • Clive Jones Lib Dem Wokingham

    Emphasised the importance of rail connectivity for decarbonisation and highlighted Heathrow's lack of direct rail access, suggesting a western rail link to reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to 30 million fewer road miles annually.

Government Response

Lilian Greenwood

Acknowledged the significance of Oxfordshire's economic region and its need for improved connectivity. Noted investments including £126 million from the housing infrastructure fund and £118.4 million from the local growth fund to enhance transport infrastructure. Highlighted challenges such as funding (£700-900 million) for reopening rail lines between Carterton, Witney, Eynsham, and Oxford, suggesting alternative options may offer better value for money. Suggested continuing work with local authorities and stakeholders.

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