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Rail Freight
03 June 2026
Lead MP
Lisa Smart
Responding Minister
Lilian Greenwood
Tags
HousingTransport
Word Count: 3872
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Lisa Smart raised concerns about rail freight in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Smart urges the Government to address several barriers to improving rail freight infrastructure, including dedicating more capacity for freight trains, electrifying railways, implementing digital signalling systems, and ensuring that new developments provide freight access. She requests a national freight strategy that guarantees access to train paths and protects strategic freight corridors.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Lisa Smart is concerned about the lack of attention given to rail freight despite its significant benefits. She highlighted that in her constituency, daily freight trains remove around 60 HGV movements from busy roads and contribute to building new homes. Nationally, rail freight prevents 7 million HGV journeys every year, leading to less road wear and cleaner air. However, the UK moves only about 7% of its freight by rail compared to a European average of 19%, contributing £2.5 billion in economic and social value annually.
Amanda Hack
Con
Dovecot
The MP welcomed the Minister's visit to her constituency's east midlands rail freight terminal, which has potential to reduce road traffic. She mentions a quarry in Bardon using a private spur of the Ivanhoe line and asks the Minister to consider both freight and passenger needs when reopening lines.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Rosindell agreed on the importance of efficient rail freight infrastructure and supported Smart's suggestions for improving it to enhance environmental and economic benefits.
Supported a project called Kernow Connect aiming to advance freight capacity in Cornwall, advocating for feasibility studies on such projects.
Huw Merriman
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Merriman agreed with the importance of rail freight, praising its positive impact on passengers and the environment. He highlighted that rail freight prevents 7 million HGV journeys annually across the nation.
Discussed efforts to reopen a rail line from Falmouth to the docks, advocating for support from Great British Railways.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expressed disappointment at the lack of rail freight in Northern Ireland and emphasized the need to look at east-west relationships within the UK to improve rail transport links.
Acknowledged the value of ASLEF's "Rail Freight Future" campaign and its emphasis on improving conditions for rail freight workers.
Luke Myer
Con
Redcar
Teesport is one of the country's most important freight gateways, yet freight from the east coast main line still has to travel via Darlington due to lack of W12 gauge clearance on the Northallerton to Eaglescliffe line. The speaker asks the Minister to commit to meeting him to discuss upgrades.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading East
Highlighted an example of successful coordination between track and train in Reading that benefits passengers by reducing road congestion.
Paul Maynard
LD
Blackpool North and Cleveleys
Maynard endorsed Smart's points about rail infrastructure, suggesting that long-term investment would benefit the environment, communities, and the economy. He encouraged collaboration with European neighbours for better transport integration.
Suggested the government should enhance gauge capacity for trains to move through Eurotunnel without offloading, increasing demand and capacity.
Emphasized the environmental benefits of rail freight over road transport, urging more government support to improve the industry.
Government Response
Lilian Greenwood
Government Response
Addressed concerns about rail freight, noting that Great British Railways will have two statutory duties to promote use of rail freight and consider the freight growth target set by Ministers. Mentioned a new capacity allocation framework supporting strategic approach to allocating capacity, and highlighted ongoing work on modernising signalling systems.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.