House of Commons · Westminster Hall
19 March 2025 · 17 other contributors · 13,528 words
Opened by Jo Platt Labour (Co-op) Leigh and Atherton
Responding minister: Simon Lightwood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jo Platt raised concerns about transport connectivity: north-west england in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Calls for better transport systems and new road networks that boost economic productivity and ensure fairness and opportunity for all. Specifically, it is time to make the case for a Metrolink connection to Leigh and improved train frequency, better station accessibility, increased capacity at station car parks, and expanded park and ride facilities.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The lack of efficient transport links in Leigh, including social isolation due to poor connectivity, limited infrastructure, and an overreliance on cars. The A580 East Lancs Road struggles with congestion, and the town ranks in the top 1% for transport-related social exclusion. Poor public transport means residents are unable to participate in routine activities.
Notes poor transport infrastructure is a major issue for businesses in Northwich, Winsford, and Middlewich. Highlights long-standing campaigns for projects like the Middlewich eastern bypass and improved rail services from Northwich and Winsford.
Discusses issues around unreliable bus services, isolated villages, congested roads, and lack of railway connections. Urges the government to ensure left-behind towns get connectivity to unleash their potential.
Heathrow station acts as a hub for aviation in the south, whereas Crewe station is that hub for rail in the north. The west coast main line has significant capacity challenges, leading to frequent delays and impacting economic growth potential.
Eighty-two per cent of all public transport journeys in the Liverpool city region are made by bus, but our region has been hit hard by the national decline in bus services. Since 2018, a staggering 6 million service miles have been withdrawn.
Investment in transport is crucial for economic growth but the north-west has been underfunded compared to London. Greater Manchester's Bee network, while successful, has had to fight for additional investment. Discussed HS2's capacity implications and highlighted historical railway performance statistics.
Acknowledged the positive impact of devolved transport policies and raised concerns about funding sustainability for future expansions beyond large mayoral combined authorities. He clarified that the redirection of funds from HS2 cancellation was genuine, providing reassurance to council leaders about the availability of funding over a period. Asked the Minister about Northern Rail's performance and HS2.
Agrees that social isolation in rural areas is exacerbated by infrequent, costly public transport. Emphasises the need to address mental health concerns in rural communities through better physical and mental connectivity.
Slow and unreliable rail services in Pendle and Clitheroe cause daily frustrations for constituents, creating barriers to work, education, and healthcare. The current hourly train service often leaves the day ruined if a single train is cancelled.
Improving transport connectivity is crucial as it moves society forward by connecting people to education, jobs, and businesses. Calls for Metrolink extension to Bolton, better rail services, free travel for over-60s in Greater Manchester.
Emphasized the importance of efficient and affordable transport options for workers and economic growth, highlighted congestion issues, and advocated for an interconnected public transport system.
She mentioned that Cheshire East council received £180 million, but felt it was weighted towards the end of a seven-year period and doubted its real impact.
Wants extension of Metrolink tram network into Hazel Grove and Stockport town centre, real investment in dilapidated Stockport station, step-free access at rail stations, and reinstatement of direct service from Stockport to Manchester airport.
North-west railway journeys are unreliable and costly, impacting economic growth. The closure of two simple railway curves in Burscough has led to unnecessarily long train journeys. However, there are positive developments such as the £2 bus fare cap and trials of bus franchising.
Focussed on sustainable transport options for a significant housing development in Hulton Park. Emphasised the need to mitigate existing congestion before new developments begin and called for infrastructure that reduces emissions, improves air quality, and ensures fair access.
Warrington South is strategically placed but faces investment challenges in transport. The town suffers from congestion, limited crossing points over the Manchester ship canal, ageing infrastructure, and unelectrified rail lines.
Discussed housing growth, infrastructure needs, dangerous roads, unreliable public transport, and the need for better connectivity in her constituency.
Criticised the north-west's productivity performance being 6.8% below the national average and called for a strategic approach to levelling up rather than pork barrel politics. Emphasized the importance of industrial rail connections in Cumbria, advocating for upgrades to the Furness line and investment in coastal areas. Inquired about step-free access at railway stations in Greater Manchester.
Government Response
Simon LightwoodThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
The Minister acknowledged the importance of connectivity in the north-west and highlighted initiatives such as the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill to empower local leaders and mayors. He also mentioned an uplift of £200 million at the autumn spending review for city region sustainable transport settlement areas, welcoming over £1.7 billion for Greater Manchester and Liverpool city region from the current CRSTS programme. The Minister further detailed additional funding allocations for local transport authorities across the north-west and confirmed ongoing projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail. Discussed Northern Rail's performance issues, the need to rebuild Britain through transport infrastructure including HS2, and committed to improving step-free access at railway stations. Mentioned the £22 billion black hole inherited from the previous government.