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Bakerloo Line Extension
24 March 2021
Lead MP
Neil Coyle
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Lab
Responding Minister
Rachel Maclean
Tags
EconomyEmploymentTransport
Word Count: 3060
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Neil Coyle raised concerns about bakerloo line extension in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should provide funding for the next stages of development and ensure that Transport for London's financial constraints do not delay the project. The extension costs between £4.7 billion and £7.9 billion, and the Government needs to support this infrastructure investment as part of their levelling up agenda. The hon. Member requests the Government to move towards discussing long-term funding plans for major capital enhancements, as specified in the Transport Secretary's letter from October.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The project has been in discussion since 1913, and constituents have waited over a century for progress. The consultation received overwhelming public support with less than 3% of respondents objecting. The extension is estimated to bring significant benefits including employment space, housing, environmental improvements, and job creation, particularly benefiting disadvantaged areas like south Bermondsey and north Walworth. The hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark is concerned about the future funding of the Bakerloo line extension, highlighting that only 29 out of 270 operational London Underground stations are in south London. He believes that transport infrastructure is crucial for community development and economic growth, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
I reminded hon. Members about changes to normal practice for hybrid arrangements and instructed them to clean their spaces before leaving the room, adhering to Mr Speaker's directive that masks should be worn in Westminster Hall except when speaking.
Government Response
Rachel Maclean
Government Response
It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship for the first time. The Minister acknowledges the hon. Member's passionate case and agrees that transport infrastructure is critical in ensuring prosperous, safe, and vibrant communities. She explains that safeguarding directions have been issued for the proposed Bakerloo line extension route, protecting it for future development without a government funding commitment at this stage. This allows Transport for London to secure funds and progress the project when possible. The Minister highlights the significant challenges facing transport networks due to the pandemic but notes the Government's support with over £3 billion in emergency funding since May 2020. She encourages further communication between the hon. Member, Baroness Vere, and the Secretary of State for Transport regarding future funding settlements.
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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.