Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Carlisle-Settle Railway: 150th Anniversary

07 July 2026 · 3 other contributors · 3,486 words

Opened by Julie Minns Lab Carlisle

Responding minister: Keir Mather

Transport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Julie Minns raised concerns about carlisle-settle railway: 150th anniversary in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the historical significance and impact of the Carlisle-Settle railway on communities.
  • Specific asks of government include reassurance on the long-term future and recognition of the railway's strategic value.
  • Requests were made for continued support for community organisations and volunteers sustaining the railway.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister for reassurance on the long-term future of the Carlisle-Settle railway and recognition of its strategic value to our national rail network. I also request continued support for community organisations and volunteers who sustain this remarkable railway.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Julie Minns Lab Carlisle

I am concerned about the historical significance of the Carlisle-Settle railway and its impact on communities. It is one of Britain's great railways, renowned for engineering achievements and scenic beauty. The railway faced closure in 1984 due to underinvestment but was saved by a grassroots campaign that demonstrated its continued viability through increased passenger numbers. By 2025, almost 1 million journeys were made along the line each year.

Other contributors (3)
  • David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

    Commemorates the importance of the Carlisle-Settle railway line and suggests that points made by Ms Julie Minns about the campaign for this line are also applicable to the extension of the Borders railway from Carlisle to Tweedbank.

  • James Morris Con Morecambe and Lunesdale

    The hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (Julie Minns) highlighted the importance of preserving the Carlisle-Settle railway. He agreed with her that the railway's story was one of resilience and community action.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Congratulates Ms Julie Minns for her commitment to her constituents and urges the Government to apply lessons learned from the Settle and Carlisle Railway Trust to protect heritage lines across all nations of the United Kingdom.

Government Response

Keir Mather

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Efford. I heartily congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle on securing this debate on the anniversary of the Settle-Carlisle railway and thank other Members for their contributions. The Minister highlights the historical significance of the line while addressing current challenges, noting improvements such as the Yorkshire Dales Explorer service and investment at Horton-in-Ribblesdale station. He also acknowledges ongoing work to improve Northern Trains' performance on the route with a target of 90% reliability within three minutes of timetable by reducing cancellations below 2%, currently standing at 1.24%. The Minister outlines plans for new train sets and discusses the Settle-Carlisle line's role in supporting passengers during west coast main line closures, with positive feedback on recent operations using bi-mode Evero trains. He mentions infrastructure improvements like a footbridge installation at Horton-in-Ribblesdale station, supported by public-private investment, as well as Network Rail's £323 million modernisation programme for the northern section of the west coast main line. The Minister also references the Department's £13.5 million investment in Carlisle station gateway project, enhancing facilities and promoting local business growth.

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