House of Commons · Westminster Hall
08 January 2025 · 17 other contributors · 14,455 words
Opened by John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Responding minister: Kirsty McNeill
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
John Lamont raised concerns about scotland: transport links in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I am seeking assurances that the UK Government will fund the feasibility study to extend the Borders railway, as well as maintaining current train frequencies between Berwick-upon-Tweed and London.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The railway extension from Edinburgh to Tweedbank has been a success but faces challenges in extending further. The proposed reduction in train frequency from Berwick-upon-Tweed to London is causing concern among local residents who rely on these services for work and social activities.
Congratulates the lead MP on securing the debate. Discusses cross-border connectivity's importance for economic growth, business, leisure, education, and health. Highlights recent Government commitments to improve transport links.
Acknowledges the debate's importance for economic and environmental goals while supporting improved connectivity within Scotland and with the rest of the UK. Discussed the importance of reducing carbon emissions by promoting rail travel over air travel, especially for journeys between Edinburgh and London. The hon. Member for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh provided a description of the name of Waverley station, highlighting its connection to Sir Walter Scott's novels.
She expressed frustration over delayed infrastructure projects and highlighted the success of the Borders railway, while emphasising the need for better rail connections and investment in Scotland's transport systems.
He urged for immediate action to upgrade the A75, highlighting the road's strategic importance and criticising SNP's inaction over 20 years. He also called for better coordination between UK Government and Scottish Government on cross-border services.
Asked about funding sources for projects such as dualing the A1 and the feasibility study of extending the Borders railway.
Discussed cross-border connectivity issues focusing on road investment needs. Welcomed the Passenger Railway Services Act 2024 supporting public ownership of rail services. Questioned Andrew Bowie on past reductions in capital expenditure during austerity under the Conservative Government. Critiqued the Scottish Government's handling of ferry services and the dismantling of Scotland’s bus network under SNP governance.
Poynton congratulated the hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk on securing the debate, though no specific contributions were detailed in the given transcript.
Emphasised the importance of flights to Wick airport for economic regeneration in Caithness after Dounreay's decommissioning. Urged for more direct flights from Wick.
Acknowledged serving under Mrs Lewell-Buck, though no specific points on rail connectivity were mentioned.
Highlights the importance of ferry links between Scotland and Northern Ireland, emphasizing their impact on trade and tourism during winter storms. Asked Andrew Bowie if he would mention ferries, highlighting their importance. Emphasised the importance of ferry services for deliveries, food supplies, medicine, and connections between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The MP highlighted the dangers of the A75 road, which has seen multiple fatalities due to its poor conditions and high traffic volumes. He urged for a stakeholder dialogue between UK and Scottish authorities to address safety and economic concerns.
Stressed the importance of improving connectivity between Glasgow and other cities in the UK, mentioning that nine out of ten direct train services to east England were cut under the previous Conservative government. Noted Labour's short time in power compared to SNP and criticised blaming them for issues inherited from previous governments.
Sullivan highlighted the challenges faced by Winchburgh, a fast-growing village without a train station. She called for prioritisation of the station's delivery and raised concerns about ScotRail’s plans to reduce ticket office hours at 54 stations.
Delivered on recommendations from the Union connectivity review and provided updates on plans for the A75 to improve freight and passenger connectivity with Northern Ireland. She also discussed issues related to transport costs and rail services.
Carmichael focused on air links, discussing the importance of Loganair's codeshare with British Airways for business travel and tourism. He highlighted issues with Heathrow airport causing disruptions to short-haul services from Scotland.
He criticised the poor quality of roads in Scotland, particularly the A82 from Loch Lomond to Glasgow and the main road from Inverness to Skye.
Asked about Avanti's practice of stopping trains at Preston when there is a problem north of the city, questioning whether this complies with their contractual obligations.
Government Response
Kirsty McNeillThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland
Confirmed investment of nearly £1.4 billion in important local projects across Scotland over the next 10 years, including £65 million for initiatives in Scotland. Reassured Members about the Government's commitment to hold all operators accountable for their performance and stressed the importance of integrated transport strategy that aligns with climate ambitions.