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Infrastructure: Cramlington and Killingworth
18 November 2025
Lead MP
Emma Foody
Cramlington and Killingworth
Lab/Co-op
Responding Minister
Matthew Pennycook
Tags
Transport
Word Count: 4633
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Emma Foody raised concerns about infrastructure: cramlington and killingworth in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Emma Foody calls for urgent upgrades to the Moor Farm roundabout infrastructure to support economic growth and housing development. She requests that National Highways address holding objections on planning applications, which currently hinder business expansion and investment in the area.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The constituency has seen significant housing growth over the past decade, but existing infrastructure is struggling to keep up with this development. The Moor Farm roundabout, a major strategic intersection linking A19, A1, and A189 roads, experiences frequent congestion and delays that worsen air quality and reduce journey reliability. Between 2021 and 2024, there was an 85% increase in northbound delays through the A19 section of Moor Farm and a 36% increase southwards.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Supports Emma Foody's recognition of the impact of the Moor Farm roundabout on both North Tyneside and South East Northumberland, noting that it affects economic regeneration across the region. Concerned about the £10 billion investment in a new data centre, which could create tens of thousands of jobs if the Moor Farm roundabout issue is not resolved. Supported the call for addressing issues at Moor Farm roundabout to enable growth, jobs, and investment in the north-east.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Comes to Emma Foody's aid regarding the importance of infrastructure for development, using his own constituency example to emphasize the need for quicker progress on such matters.
Houghton and Sunderland South
I well understand the point that my hon. Friend makes. It is not for me, as the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, to make determinations on individual transport projects that are being considered through the road investment strategy pipeline.
Government Response
Matthew Pennycook
The Minister for Housing and Planning
Government Response
Acknowledged that specific issues raised are the responsibility of the Department for Transport. Emphasised the importance of local development plans to shape decisions on housing and infrastructure needs. Stressed the need for effective engagement by statutory consultees in planning applications. Our shared transport priority recognises the need to improve transport connectivity and unlock housing development and commercial activity by ensuring that new development is supported by the public transport network and that pinch points on the road network are addressed.
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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.