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Cullompton and Wellington Stations
06 May 2025
Lead MP
Richard Foord
Honiton and Sidmouth
LD
Responding Minister
Simon Lightwood
Tags
NHSDefenceTransport
Word Count: 2813
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Richard Foord raised concerns about cullompton and wellington stations in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The reopening of Cullompton and Wellington stations would improve social mobility by providing better transport options for education and employment opportunities, aligning with Labour's goal of economic growth through infrastructure development.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The south-west has suffered from chronic under-investment in transport infrastructure, with communities like Cullompton cut off after the Beeching cuts. Residents face economic challenges such as long commute times and traffic congestion, while mental health workers struggle to reach work due to lack of rail access. The Culm Garden Village project highlights the need for railway stations to support new housing developments.
Graham Evans
Con
Tiverton and Honiton
Reopening Wellington station could shift commuting patterns from car to rail, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. This would support economic growth in Exeter, Taunton, and Bridgwater.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Somerton and Langport lacks a station between London and Penzance, hindering local economic opportunities. Constituents' business plans for a new station were rejected, impacting residents' ability to access jobs and services. She highlighted a constituent's son who was unable to attend Richard Huish sixth form college due to lack of rail connectivity, stressing that it creates barriers for young people.
Government Response
Simon Lightwood
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
Despite the closure of the restoring your railway programme in July last year, the Department continues to consider the project. The stations have already received £6.15 million and an additional £45 million is needed. Due to financial constraints, it may not be possible for all transport projects to continue.
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Assessment & feedback
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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.