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Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor
03 December 2025
Lead MP
Daniel Zeichner
Cambridge
Lab
Responding Minister
Matthew Pennycook
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Word Count: 15117
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Daniel Zeichner raised concerns about oxford to cambridge growth corridor in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I seek assurances from the Minister that the next decade will be very different from the last, and that we will actually make the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor happen.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The idea of recognising that the area between Cambridge and Oxford could become something special had lukewarm support initially. Over time, however, there has been a conversion to the position that this is an idea whose time has come. The last decade saw false starts and missed opportunities with projects such as a super-highway and rail link.
Alex Mayer
Lab
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
Concerned about the name 'Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor' and its public perception. Advocated for regional devolution, transport improvements, and a sense of place through initiatives like Universal Studios.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab/Co-op
Oxford East
The Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor has seen many announcements and practical actions under Labour, including the creation of the Oxford growth commission and financial commitments for reopening the Cowley branch line.
Blake Stephenson
Con
Mid Bedfordshire
Highlighted potential for Mid Bedfordshire in contributing to Government’s growth agenda, with key points including upgrading Junction 13 of the M1 and establishing a local visitor economy partnership. Emphasised need for rail infrastructure on East West Rail.
Callum Anderson
Lab
Buckingham and Bletchley
Emphasises the importance of towns and cities between Oxford and Cambridge, such as Buckingham and Bletchley. Welcomes East West Rail and plans to use a local investment taskforce to catalyse more investment in the area.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
Communities in Bicester, Kidlington and Woodstock are willing to support growth but want infrastructure first. There is a lack of cross-Government co-ordination leading to delays and higher costs.
Emphasised the importance of spreading benefits county-wide, particularly for constituencies at the far end of East West Rail.
Ely and East Cambridgeshire
Called for a land-use framework to be published, stressed investment in local infrastructure and rail projects, and highlighted the need for tangible benefits for communities served by such projects. Brought up Brexit in relation to the growth corridor debate, highlighting concerns over environmental policies.
Chris Curtis
Lab
Milton Keynes North
Highlights the economic significance of Milton Keynes and its underrepresentation in discussions about the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor. Calls for the Department to work towards getting the BLMK devolution deal across the line quickly.
Ian Sollom
LD
St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Highlighted the challenges in his constituency regarding rapid growth, including integrated transport planning and healthcare infrastructure. Raised concerns about housing shortages, school capacity, GP practices, water scarcity, and flooding.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member supports the growth corridor initiative, highlighting the importance of housing to meet economic demands and create jobs.
Layla Moran
LD
Oxford West and Abingdon
Welcomed the debate and highlighted Oxford's role as an innovation hub. Emphasised the importance of connectivity, supporting OxRAIL 2040 plan which connects homes with key employment sites. Disagreed with splitting Oxford into separate administrative units, arguing it undermines interconnectivity. Gave views on local government reform concerning the Milton Keynes–Bedfordshire–Luton mayor. Underlined the importance of addressing the £70 million gap for Kennington bridge to ensure the Oxford flood alleviation scheme proceeds, protecting the largest unprotected floodplain in Europe.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Supported rail infrastructure investment based on benefits of Elizabeth line in Berkshire. Advocated for broader geographical integration beyond current concepts. Appealed to Minister for consideration of wider benefits and planning.
South Cambridgeshire
Acknowledged the importance of water efficiency alongside investment, reiterating support for the national forest project in the corridor.
Mike Reader
Lab
Northampton South
Argued that the south-east midlands region is crucial for Ox-Cam growth, highlighting existing local industrial strategy and collaborative efforts in transport, energy planning, and education. Called for a designated economic area to focus investment across the region.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Acknowledged the region's potential for innovation but also highlighted challenges such as housing shortages and water supply issues. Opposed the demolition of homes for East West Rail project.
Peter Freeman
Lab
Cambridge
Stressed the need for co-ordination and prioritising infrastructure in the project.
Pippa Heylings
Con
South Cambridgeshire
Discussed rapid population growth and infrastructure challenges, including healthcare shortages and poor public transport options. Discussed infrastructure needs and environmental concerns in her constituency. Asked the Minister to confirm that the new fens reservoir is enough for existing ambitions and future home considerations, urging collaboration on water scarcity solutions.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
The hon. Gentleman's points about the torrid history of East West Rail are valid, but he misses some crucial points such as the railway losing taxpayers an enormous amount of money and choosing a long, hilly, environmentally damaging route.
Rosie Wrighting
Lab
Kettering
Highlighted the importance of further education colleges like the Bedford College Group in providing necessary skills.
Government Response
Matthew Pennycook
The Minister for Housing and Planning
Government Response
Discussed the government's focus on supercharging growth in the Ox-Cam corridor with an emphasis on infrastructure projects such as East West Rail, reopening of the Cowley branch line, and the expansion of Luton airport. Addressed concerns about Kennington bridge by acknowledging its importance to supporting growth and transformation of Oxford’s west end. Confirmed commitment to £400 million funding for growth in Greater Cambridge, announced plans for a centrally led development corporation, highlighted water scarcity concerns with fast-tracked reservoir projects, and outlined ongoing efforts for sustainable infrastructure and investment across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.
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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.