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A133-A120 Link Road
28 January 2025
Lead MP
Bernard Jenkin
Harwich and North Essex
Con
Responding Minister
Rushanara Ali
Tags
Transport
Word Count: 3305
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Bernard Jenkin raised concerns about a133-a120 link road in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Will the Government please consider making up the shortfall? What is the benefit-cost ratio for just phase 1 and how could the Government possibly justify turning down funding to complete the A133-A120 link road?
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Central Government must fund phase 2 of the new A133-A120 link road. The previous government committed to it but due to inflation and covid, there is a £50 million to £60 million shortfall in funding needed for its completion. Essex county council has started construction on phase 1, but without phase 2 being funded, the viability of the TCBGC housing development cannot be guaranteed.
Marie Goldman
Lab
Nottingham North
Asked if the hon. Member agrees that the 'infrastructure first' principle is crucial and urged the Government to consider funding schemes like the A133 widening scheme which affects 55,000 new homes in his constituency.
Nigel Farage
Reform
Clacton
Supported the hon. Member for Harwich and North Essex's concerns about building houses without knowing if a road will be completed and questioned whether Members level with constituents on uncontrolled mass migration contributing to population growth.
Pam Cox
Lab
Colchester
Welcomed the start of phase 1 but urged for speeding up phase 2 by creating a deal with partners, including the Government. Invited the Minister to visit the project.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Bow
Acknowledged the importance of continued dialogue with local MPs, expressed commitment to working closely on planning issues, and emphasised the Government's determination to support the development.
Government Response
Rushanara Ali
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Government Response
Acknowledged the hon. Member's concerns about infrastructure funding for the Tendring Colchester Borders garden community project, highlighting that £99.9 million from the housing infrastructure fund is being used to build a rapid transit system high-speed bus route in Colchester. She stated that due to cost escalation and delivery challenges, only phase 1 of the A1331 link road will be funded with available grant funds but assured that existing local road networks are sufficient to support initial home construction.
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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.