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Rail Services: East Durham Coastline
01 April 2025
Lead MP
Grahame Morris
Easington
Lab
Responding Minister
Simon Lightwood
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Word Count: 3450
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Grahame Morris raised concerns about rail services: east durham coastline in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Grahame Morris asks for Northern Rail to provide more reliable services with sufficient rolling stock and carriages during peak periods. He also requests a confirmation on how many of the 450 new trains will be allocated to the East Durham coastline.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The rail service is characterised by delays and cancellations, leaving passengers stranded. In Easington, Seaham, and Horden, one cancelled train means an hour's wait for the next service, undermining connectivity for education and employment opportunities.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
Supports Grahame Morris's concerns, extending them to his constituents in Billingham and highlighting the impact on employment and educational opportunities.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlights the impact of unreliable rail services on rural communities and asks if a government commitment is needed to address these shortcomings.
Simon Lightwood
Con
Sunderland
Notes support for new proposed services from Grand Central and recognises the role it has played in improving connectivity. Mentions capacity constraints on the east coast main line that prevent supporting additional services.
Government Response
Simon Lightwood
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
The Minister acknowledges the MP's concerns and expresses frustration over the poor service. He explains that while ensuring operational resilience and value for money, it is not possible to guarantee a seat on every train due to fleet size limitations. The Rail North Partnership has issued Northern with a notice of breach requiring them to develop an improvement plan focusing on resolving disputes with unions, developing their fleet and resources, and enhancing service resilience.
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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.