Chiltern Railways: Capacity
Dr (Solihull West and
Shirley) (Con)
1. If she will take steps to help expedite the approval of
additional trains to increase capacity on Chiltern
Railways.(900466)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
Officials will continue to work with Children Railways to support
the delivery of its fleet renewal programme to improve passenger
experience and drive sustainable growth across the region.
Chiltern is exploring options to expedite its procurement of
additional trains while following robust assurance steps to
ensure that it has a strong business case that delivers value for
money for the taxpayer.
Dr Shastri-Hurst
Chiltern Railways has the oldest fleet of any operator at over 30
years of age, and additional capacity is needed to meet the
demands of my constituents in Solihull West and Shirley. While I
welcome the Department's commitment to reducing overcrowding by
moving more rolling stock to where it is needed in the network,
can the Minister expand on the specific steps the Department is
taking to reduce overcrowding on the Chiltern main line?
Chiltern's business case assesses both like-for-like and enhanced
capacity rolling stock options. Like-for-like offers similar
capacity to the current fleet but more modern trains to deliver a
better customer proposition. Enhanced capacity would enable
Chiltern to run more services to relieve crowding. Both options
are still under consideration ahead of further market engagement.
A final decision will be made taking into consideration value for
money and affordability.
Old Oak Common Station Construction: South-west Travel
Disruption
(Truro and Falmouth)
(Lab/Co-op)
2. What steps she is taking to help mitigate disruption to rail
passengers travelling to the south-west when construction of Old
Oak Common station begins.(900467)
The Secretary of State for Transport ()
Nowhere is the Tory legacy of transport failure more obvious than
in the legacy we have been left on High Speed 2, with costs
allowed to run completely out of control, communities ignored,
and misery for passengers baked into the plans. My Department is
working with the rail industry to minimise disruption during the
construction of Old Oak Common station, including through a £30
million investment in mitigations that will allow services to
continue to operate during the disruption.
Our railway in the south-west is too slow, too fragile and too
expensive. Does the Transport Secretary agree with me and
colleagues across Cornwall, the south-west and Wales that this
new HS2 station will mean slower and more disrupted journeys?
Will she meet me and a delegation of south-west MPs to discuss
mitigation of the legacy she has inherited from the last
Government to ensure that the south-west does not suffer now and
in the future because of that disruption?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for rightly raising these issues.
I will be delighted to meet her to discuss the mitigations.
Efforts will be made to minimise the impact on passengers,
including trains terminating at either Ealing Broadway or
Reading, but we will work with her to monitor and minimise
disruption for her constituents.
Dr (Runnymede and Weybridge)
(Con)
Traffic delays at level crossings in Egham, Addlestone and
Chertsey are punishing my constituents, and engineering works and
diversion routes just make that worse. Will the Secretary of
State meet me to discuss how we can mitigate and improve our
level crossings, especially during these engineering works?
I fully appreciate the implications of Network Rail engineering
works, and the construction and maintenance of level crossings in
particular. I will happily pass on the hon. Member's request for
a meeting to the Minister for Rail in the other place.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Minister.
Dr (Bexhill and Battle)
(Con)
One of the ways in which we could improve the reliability of all
our train services is through reform of working practices such as
annual leave and weekend working. Agreeing a no-strings deal with
ASLEF forced the Secretary of State into agreeing a no-strings
deal with the RMT. How does she plan to recover from such a weak
negotiating position for future rounds? What progress has she
made on proposals—our proposals, I should say—for a pay review
body for public rail workers?
Mr Speaker
Order. I am sure that question must be related in some way to Old
Oak Common. I think we need to be more descriptive when asking
such questions. Secretary of State, answer as you wish.
I am happy to answer that question, Mr Speaker. The two-year
industrial dispute cost the taxpayer £25 million a day every time
the Tories oversaw a strike day. The reforms that they pursued
cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds. We have since
settled the national pay dispute and localised disputes on London
North Eastern Railway and CrossCountry, leading to improved
passenger services across the country.
Road Safety
(Rother Valley) (Lab)
3. What steps she is taking to improve road safety.(900468)
The Secretary of State for Transport ()
Every death on our roads is a tragedy; for too long, they have
been treated as an inevitability. The safety of our roads is an
absolute priority for this Government. Since the general
election, the Department has begun work on a new road safety
strategy, the first in more than a decade, which will support our
mission to build an NHS fit for the future.
Last week, I met South Yorkshire police to raise the issue of
speeding and in particular the phenomenon of boy racers, which is
a problem across my constituency, particularly in Broom, Sitwell
and Whiston, as well as along the A57 around the Todwick
roundabout. That was a constructive meeting, but what steps are
the Government taking to clamp down on this dangerous
problem?
I applaud my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. I know
the blight that such antisocial behaviour and speeding has on
communities, particularly in areas like the one he represents. A
key part of our safer streets mission is to take back our
streets, and the Government will give police the powers they need
to seize illegal, dangerous and antisocial vehicles and take them
off the streets for good, so that they can quickly be crushed. We
are working on delivering the road safety strategy, the first in
over a decade, to reduce antisocial behaviour, injuries and
tragic deaths on our roads.
Dr (Hinckley and Bosworth)
(Con)
In Hinckley, we have one of the most bashed bridges in Britain;
it gets hit every two weeks on average. It is on the A5, which
also has some black spots for accidents and pinch points. Will
the Secretary of State arrange for a meeting between me and the
Roads Minister, the hon. Member for Nottingham South (), to talk about how we can
get through the improvements that have been looked at for the
last few years to ensure that our bridges are not hit and that we
do not have black spots on the A5?
I am grateful to the hon. Member for raising that important
issue. It is clear, with stats like those, that it needs some
attention. I am sure that my hon. Friend the Roads Minister will
be happy to meet him.
(Burton and Uttoxeter)
(Lab)
Between 60,000 and 90,000 vehicles pass through the A50/A500
corridor every single day, but the road is slow and unreliable,
with average rush hour speeds below 20 mph. The road is a daily
nightmare for residents of Uttoxeter and the surrounding areas,
and serves as a significant barrier to economic growth. Will the
Minister commit to meeting me in Uttoxeter to see for herself the
upgrades that are needed?
I fear I may be filling up the diary of my hon. Friend the Roads
Minister, but I am sure she would be happy to meet my hon. Friend
the Member for Burton and Uttoxeter () to discuss the road in
question.
(Bath) (LD)
Road safety is one of the main reasons why young people do not
cycle, and that is particularly true in cities such as Bath,
where the historic infrastructure makes it difficult. What will
the Government do to help young cyclists in particular by making
roads safer in Bath?
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising that point, and it
sits at the heart of our ambition to develop the new road safety
strategy. The previous Government pursued poisonous culture wars
against road users of all descriptions. We are determined to take
back streets for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, and that will
be at the heart of our new ambition for the road safety
strategy.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Minister.
Greg (Mid Buckinghamshire) (Con)
Road safety is inextricably linked to the state of our roads.
[Interruption.] Government Members might want to wait. New
polling suggests that surface conditions on major roads are
getting worse, risking more accidents. Will the Secretary of
State confirm—a yes or no answer will suffice—whether her
Government will maintain the previous Conservative Government's
commitment to £11 billion in road repair budgets?
I was fascinated to know how Opposition Front Benchers would
approach their legacy when raising questions today. The legacy we
have been left includes a maintenance backlog of billions and
billions of pounds on our local roads. It is one of the biggest
issues facing people across the country, and our manifesto
committed us to repair and prevent up to a million potholes a
year.
Midlands Rail Hub: Stakeholders
(Droitwich and Evesham)
(Con)
4. If she will meet stakeholders in the midlands to discuss plans
to build the midlands rail hub.(900469)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
As the hon. Member will know, Network Rail is in the process of
procuring design for the delivery of the western phase of the
midlands rail hub scheme. While a business case is being
developed for later phases, we would of course be happy to meet
the hon. Member and stakeholders to discuss progress on the
programme.
I very much appreciate that response. I would appreciate it as
well if the Minister could give us some idea of the timing of
this really important investment for the region, which will add
considerably to the economic prospects of the west midlands.
I appreciate how important it is to improve rail infrastructure
in the midlands. The next major decision on the first phase will
be to consider the release of delivery funding in around four
years' time, but in the meantime we are expecting a business case
for the subsequent phases of the programme to inform next steps,
which will be ready next year.
Trams: Leeds and West Yorkshire
(Leeds North East)
(Lab)
5. What steps she is taking to support proposals for a tram
system in Leeds and West Yorkshire.(900470)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
The Secretary of State has met the Mayor of West Yorkshire,
, to discuss the vital role
that mass transit can play in delivering sustainable economic
growth and housing and to improve connectivity to jobs,
healthcare and education in the region. The Department is working
in partnership with the West Yorkshire combined authority to
support the development of the combined authority's business
case, to help bring forward the benefits of mass transit in West
Yorkshire.
Leeds North East is the only constituency in the city without a
railway station. Leeds is the largest city in Europe without a
rail-based public transport system. Plans for mass transit
networks in West Yorkshire are essential for jobs and our local
economy, so will the Minister join me in congratulating the Mayor
of West Yorkshire, , on her plans to build a tram
network in Leeds in the very near future?
West Yorkshire combined authority has been allocated £200 million
of Government funding for 2022 to 2027 to develop a new mass
transit system, including £160 million from the city region
sustainable transport settlement, and £40 million from the
integrated rail plan. I commend the hard work and tenacity of
as the Mayor of West
Yorkshire, who is determined to create a better connected region
that works for everyone.
Mr Speaker
Could Members stand every time so that I know they want to ask a
question? I call .
(Harrogate and Knaresborough)
(LD)
Sorry, Mr Speaker. West Yorkshire borders my patch. Will the
Minister ensure that a mass transit system in Leeds connects with
places such as Harrogate just across the border, so that there is
a combined approach for the entire region?
I will bear the hon. Member's contribution in mind and share it
with colleagues in the West Yorkshire combined authority.
Mr Speaker
Let us continue the Yorkshire love-in with shadow Minister Sir
Alex Shelbrooke.
Sir (Wetherby and Easingwold)
(Con)
Let me say to my near neighbour, the hon. Member for Leeds North
East (), that my constituency does
not have a train station either. Joining up towns and cities in
the north of England is a way to untap this country's great
economic potential. As the first ever shadow Minister for
northern transport, and a Yorkshire MP, I am incredibly excited
about the mass transit system in Leeds that I have campaigned on
for years. Along with the rest of Network North, it will be a
transformative endeavour but, unfortunately, Labour has a history
of not delivering mass transit projects in Leeds. In fact, it
seems the only deliveries it is interested in are boxes of
clothes from . What message does that send to
the people and businesses of Leeds, whose lives it will improve?
Can the Minister put them all out of their misery and confirm
that the project is going ahead?
Let me remind the hon. Gentleman that the Conservatives were in
government for 14 long years. Now, the hon. Gentleman has the
temerity to stand there and ask why we are not getting on with
it. This Government are moving quick and fixing things. We are
determined to work with as the Mayor of West
Yorkshire to achieve her objectives.
Driving Test Waiting Times
(Southgate and Wood
Green) (Lab)
6. What steps she is taking to reduce driving test waiting
times.(900471)
The Secretary of State for Transport ()
Practical driving test waiting times remain far too high after
the previous Administration failed to reduce them, limiting
would-be drivers' access to opportunities. I have met the chief
executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and driving
test examiners, and I have instructed my officials to work at
pace to identify solutions to this pervasive problem.
I welcome the fact that the Secretary of State has met the chief
executive of the DVSA to discuss urgent solutions to the sky-high
driving test waiting times. According to the latest statistics,
the waiting time in the Wood Green driving test centre in my
constituency was 18.64 weeks. Will my right hon. Friend confirm
that this issue is a top priority for the Government, so that my
constituents can be reassured that driving test waiting times
will be drastically reduced?
Mr Speaker
Order. Can I just say to Members who have been here a long time,
please speak to the Chair? They should be speaking through a
third party, not directly. I am trying to take some of the anger
out of it. Please work with me on that.
I am very grateful to you, Mr Speaker, as I am to my hon. Friend
for raising that important question. He is absolute right.
Average waiting times at the Wood Green centre currently sit just
above the national average. The measures that the DVSA is already
taking to reduce waiting times include conducting tests outside
regular hours, at weekends and on public holidays, and continuing
to deploy examiners from areas with lower waiting times. That is
in addition to producing additional examiners across the country
in areas where waiting times are highest. We will soon set out to
the House further steps by which we will bring down waiting times
further.
(Strangford) (DUP)
I thank the Secretary of State very much for that response.
Waiting times for tests continue to be a problem. What assessment
has been made of the knock-on effect that could occur with the
validity of theory tests should delays in practical tests remain
and not improve?
I am very grateful to the hon. Member for raising that important
issue. I will take it away and write to him.
Maritime Coastguard Agency: Safety Breaches
Mr (Orkney and Shetland)
(LD)
7. What discussions she has had with the Maritime and Coastguard
Agency on maritime safety breaches which occur outside UK
territorial waters but within the exclusive economic
zone.(900472)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
The Secretary of State has met the chief executive of the
Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and this matter was discussed.
The MCA will continue to monitor this important issue, as well as
follow up on the actions already taken since the Westminster Hall
debate on maritime safety last April.
Mr Carmichael
If we continue to see this as a matter of legality, nothing will
ever change, and certainly not in any decent timeframe. We have
to focus on what we can do practically to end the sort of attacks
that trawlers from Shetland, such as the Alison Kay and Defiant,
have been subject to in recent years. Will the Minister look at
the experience of authorities in Ireland, who have managed to
tackle the reckless conduct of trawlers like the Pesorsa Dos and
keep their fishermen safe?
I will undertake to look at the authorities in Ireland. I had a
recent visit to the Orkney Islands in the right hon. Member's
constituency. I would wish to catch up with him about that and I
am happy to meet him to discuss this matter further.
Midland Main Line: Electrification
(Derby North) (Lab)
8. What recent progress has been made on the electrification of
the midland main line.(900473)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
Electrification is progressing on the midland main line, with the
new overhead line equipment from Kettering to Wigston, just south
of Leicester, now installed and energised. That, together with
enhancements to overhead line equipment south of Bedford, will
enable new bi-mode trains to run electric from St Pancras to
Wigston from 2025.
The full electrification of the midland main line would
significantly reduce railway operating costs and cut 42,000
tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Current work on the line will
finish soon. Moving ahead with the rest of the project would
retain the multidisciplinary skills and supply chain needed for
rail electrification in the UK. The Department has already given
us so much good news for rail, so can the Minister give us some
more good news on this very important question?
I commend my hon. Friend's support for this scheme, and for being
such a champion of the railways and her constituents. I assure
her that delivering greener transport is one of the Secretary of
State's priorities for our Department. The extension of the
electrification from Wigston to Nottingham, and to Sheffield via
Derby, is in development and is planned to be completed by the
early 2030s, subject to business case approvals and affordability
considerations.
Dame (West Worcestershire)
(Con)
It is not electrified, Mr Speaker, but the west midlands railway
line from Birmingham to Hereford has seen a dramatic
deterioration in its performance since the Secretary of State
agreed the no-conditions, inflation-busting pay rise with the
strikers. Will the Minister agree to meet the management of West
Midlands Railway to see what steps could be taken to improve the
performance on that important line?
There have already been improvements in performance and a
reduction in cancellations on the railway. My right hon. Friend
the Secretary of State is working extremely hard to hold
operators to account and to ensure that all our constituents
enjoy a quality service from the railway. It is essential that we
put passengers at the heart of it for the first time in a very
long time.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: Transport Needs
(St Ives) (LD)
9. If she will meet authorities in Cornwall and the Isles of
Scilly to discuss transport needs in those areas. (900474)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
The Government are working apace to improve transport provision
throughout the country. We have already announced five strategic
transport priorities to improve local transport performance and
increase usage. Officials will continue to meet local transport
authorities across the south-west to discuss their
aspirations.
Following the points raised by the hon. Member for Truro and
Falmouth (), may I point out that a
great many other challenges have been revealed since the general
election? There are worries about expensive school transport and
risk-free investment in Cornwall, and there are also worries on
the Isles of Scilly, where we seek parity with Scotland and the
English mainland in respect of lifeline links to the islands and,
indeed, inter-island transport. It would be helpful if, as well
as meeting the transport authorities, the Minister could meet
local MPs, because these issues are becoming very serious
indeed.
All air and sea services are operated commercially, without
public subsidy. The Department has provided support, particularly
during the pandemic, but its officials are committed to regular
engagement with the local council to see how we can improve
travel provision on the islands.
Mr Speaker
I call the Chair of the Select Committee.
(Brentford and Isleworth)
(Lab)
The Government's bus reforms are welcome, but rural areas such as
Cornwall have perhaps the poorest bus services in England, as
well as less well developed partnerships than, say, urban Greater
Manchester. What plans do the Government have to ensure that
rural areas in England can benefit from better bus services, as
cities certainly will following the Government's reforms?
My hon. Friend is an incredible campaigner on transport matters,
not just in her constituency but across the country. It is true
that rural communities face different challenges, but the
Government's better buses Bill will enable local authorities to
take back control of our buses and improve services, where they
wish to do so.
Local Bus Services
(Colne Valley) (Lab)
10. What steps she is taking to help improve local bus services.
(900475)
(City of Durham) (Lab)
11. What steps she is taking to help improve local bus services.
(900476)
Mrs (South Shields) (Lab)
17. What steps she is taking to help improve local bus services.
(900483)
The Secretary of State for Transport ()
The state of the country's bus services is too often unacceptably
poor after more than a decade of neglect and decline. Politicians
in my position have neglected them for too long, and it shows. In
September we moved fast and announced transformative new measures
to make it quicker and easier for every local authority in
England to have London-style control over its bus services.
Public transport is crucial for rural communities, connecting
residents to essential services. However, between 2011 and 2023
England saw a 20% reduction in bus services, with a 28% per
capita decrease when the figure was adjusted for population
growth. That decline has had a severe impact on rural areas such
as my constituency, leaving many residents isolated and
struggling to gain access to education, employment, healthcare
and social activities. Can the Secretary of State tell me how the
better buses Bill will improve the position for my
constituents?
I am aware of the premium that my hon. Friend places on public
transport. Indeed, I have campaigned along with him, in his
beautiful constituency. I am delighted to confirm that we will
introduce a new buses Bill this year to give local leaders the
tools that they need to ensure the delivery of high-quality bus
networks, putting decision making into their hands and seriously
accelerating the franchising process.
Bus services in the city of Durham are an absolute headache for
my constituents. Buses are often 45 minutes late in villages such
as West Drayton. The Labour Mayor of the North East and I want to
crack on and deliver our manifesto promise to bring buses back
into public control. Can the Secretary of State assure me that
the better buses Bill will allow us to enfranchise buses sooner
rather than later, and will she meet the Mayor and me discuss the
bus situation in Durham?
I am grateful for my hon. Friend's question. The better buses
Bill is designed exactly to help authorities such as the North
East combined authority. I have met the Mayor, as has the
Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member
for Wakefield and Rothwell (), who has responsibility
for local transport, on a number of occasions to discuss how we
can ensure that the franchising process is sped up so that we can
deliver better bus services much more quickly for my hon.
Friend's constituents. I am sure the local transport Minister
would be delighted to meet both my hon. Friend and the Mayor.
Mrs (South Shields) (Lab)
My right hon. Friend knows that when the previous Government axed
over 1,000 bus routes, local communities were completely ignored.
As she rebuilds our bus network, can she assure me that the
better buses Bill will make provision to fully include local
voices, not just the voices of those in elected positions?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who has put her finger on
exactly the problem with the system across the country at the
moment. For too long, we have allowed private operators to pick
and choose whatever routes and services they want, with no say
whatsoever for local people or local leaders. The better buses
Bill is at the heart of our bus service reforms, and it will give
local people a proper say on the routes and services that they
absolutely depend on.
(Huntingdon) (Con)
In my constituency of Huntingdon, eight villages receive no bus
services whatsoever, including Molesworth, where we will shortly
see a half a billion pound investment in upgrading and expanding
our defence infrastructure at RAF Molesworth. Given that
franchising will potentially be introduced in Cambridgeshire and
Peterborough, will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how
we can guarantee that our rural villages are given the focus they
urgently need?
The hon. Gentleman has made the case for franchising. It is
totally unacceptable that entire villages are cut off, without
the bus services that they absolutely need. That denies people
the opportunity to move around their area and get to work or
education opportunities. The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and
Peterborough is pursuing franchising. We are supporting him in
those efforts, and we will make sure that villages such as those
in the hon. Gentleman's constituency are properly included in the
franchising process.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Secretary of State.
(Faversham and Mid Kent)
(Con)
I wonder if the right hon. Lady can see the irony in the fact
that the new bus system that she is so excited about introducing
is broadly the same as the train system that she is busy
dismantling. The simple truth is that without funding, the
Government's plan will not make struggling bus services viable or
affordable for passengers. What has helped is our £2 fare cap,
which has saved millions of people money and helped to keep local
buses going, especially in rural areas. Does the Secretary of
State agree that the £2 fare cap has been a good thing and,
crucially, is she going to keep it?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right to suggest that the
underfunding of bus services over a decade has led to the
cancellation and scrapping of thousands of bus routes across the
country, and passenger numbers have fallen over the last 40
years. We are committed to consolidating funding and ending the
“Hunger Games” style process that the previous Government
oversaw, which pitted authorities against each other and created
winners and losers.
Walking and Cycling
(Wokingham) (LD)
12. What steps she is taking to promote walking and cycling.
(900478)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
This Government recognise the huge benefits of walking and
cycling. They support our economic growth, health and net zero
missions by helping to revitalise high streets, improve air
quality and support people in living longer, healthier lives.
This Government will embrace green and healthy transport choices,
and we will set out ambitious plans to promote safer, greener and
healthier journeys as part of an integrated transport
strategy.
(Wokingham) (LD)
Barriers to active travel are many, including old footbridges
that are needed for crossing railways. In my constituency of
Wokingham, Network Rail is in the process of replacing the
footbridge at the Tan House crossing. Despite an offer from the
local authority to contribute towards the cost of making the
bridge accessible to all, Network Rail has insisted on spending
millions of pounds to build a bridge that many people will never
be able to use. Can the Minister review with Network Rail why it
believes that it is not required to make its estate accessible to
all, and take steps to ensure that it is required to do so in
future?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. I will refer this
matter to the Minister with responsibility for rail, and will
write to the hon. Gentleman with further information.
(Bracknell) (Lab)
E-scooters offer an excellent opportunity for promoting active
travel, but many of my constituents are concerned about the speed
at which people travel on them. Will the Minister confirm that
the Government's road safety strategy will look at e-scooters, so
that we can make sure that they are a safe part of our active
travel system?
We believe that micro-mobility has a vital role to play in an
integrated transport system. We are looking very carefully at the
e-scooter trial areas across the country, and will look at what
further steps we can take to push forward this agenda.
(Eastbourne) (LD)
My constituent Alex suffered a life-changing cycling accident at
the hands of an untraced driver, and is now battling with the
Motor Insurers' Bureau to get the compensation he deserves. The
bureau's delays in providing compensation are intolerable, and
are undermining his confidence to cycle again. Will the Secretary
of State or the Minister meet me to discuss Alex's case, and how
the bureau can be reformed to restore cyclists' confidence in the
system?
I would be delighted to arrange that meeting.
City Regions: Connectivity
(Hazel Grove) (LD)
13. What steps her Department is taking to improve transport
connectivity within city regions. (900479)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
Up again! The Government are making a five-year, £5.7 billion
investment to improve the transport networks of eight city
regions between 2022-23 to 2026-27 through the city region
sustainable transport settlements. We have announced plans to
introduce an English devolution Bill, which, alongside our major
bus and rail reforms, will equip mayors with the powers and
influence that they need to create an integrated local transport
network and improve local transport in their area, in line with
the Government's missions.
When my constituents in Hazel Grove travel to the centre of the
city region, they can use the train service—subject to landslide
issues and, of course, the whims of the train operating
companies—but when they are moving around my constituency, they
must rely on the bus network. Can the Minister give the Greater
Manchester combined authority and my residents clarity about
funding for the bus model in Greater Manchester, so that it is
not the 10 constituent local authorities who are burdened with
paying the price for keeping the £2 bus fare cap?
I am proudly wearing my Bee Network badge this morning, having
visited Greater Manchester to meet the operators of the Bee
Network and Mayor Andy ; that is trailblazing work in
Greater Manchester. In the year in which the network has been
operating, we have already seen a 5% increase in passenger
numbers, and buses are turning up on time, which is always great.
The question of funding for the future will of course be part of
the spending review.
Nick (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney) (Lab)
I was reading the Treasury's “Fixing the foundations” document,
and I understand that because of the need to restore control over
public spending, the Government have had to cancel the restoring
your railway programme. However, I note that individual projects
will be reconsidered in the Transport Secretary's review. Will
the Minister please look at the development of the Abertillery
spur on the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line, as he considers good-value
investment and connectivity in our railways infrastructure?
The Government are reviewing a number of infrastructure projects
in the light of the terrible financial situation that we find
ourselves in, following the terrible damage inflicted on this
country by the Opposition.
Mr Speaker
I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.
Mr (Wimbledon) (LD)
In London, connectivity is provided by Transport for London, but
in my constituency of Wimbledon, despite its wonderful tube,
tram, train and bus connections, my constituents suffer from
repeated track and signal failures on the District line, while
South Western Railway is labouring with ageing rolling stock and
decreased frequency of service at stations such as Malden Manor
and Worcester Park. What are the Government planning to do to
address the capital funding crisis that they inherited from the
Tories across London's transport system, and will the Minister
meet me to discuss the problems affecting the District line and
South Western trains?
The Government remain committed to supporting London and the
transport network on which it depends. We are working with the
Mayor of London on funding plans for transport in the capital, to
provide value for money and lasting benefits to the public. I
would, of course, be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman to
discuss these matters.
Active Travel: Sustrans Modelling
(Aberdeenshire North and
Moray East) (SNP)
14. If she will have discussions with Sustrans on the potential
role of its tool for modelling and forecasting cycling levels in
the promotion of active travel. (900480)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
So many questions! As the executive agency responsible for
walking, wheeling and cycling, Active Travel England is
investigating how to improve the modelling and forecasting of
cycling levels to ensure that we invest appropriately. I have
asked its officers to meet Sustrans colleagues to discuss the
potential benefits of its tool.
The brilliant cycle to work scheme runs across the four nations
of these islands, but under current rules, it cannot be used by
people who earn less than £17,000 a year. This almost certainly
contributes to the fact that only 30% of people on lower incomes
have access to a cycle, compared with 59% of people on higher
incomes—that is almost double. Various solutions have been
proposed, including the Sustrans suggestion of a voucher giving
40% off the cost of a bike. Can the Minister do anything to
address this unfair situation, and to help our national
Governments support people on lower incomes who would like to be
able to take advantage of the cycle to work scheme?
I recognise the problems with the scheme, and I will work closely
with Treasury colleagues on this matter. I was delighted to
attend the launch of the Sustrans report in the Palace a couple
of weeks ago, and I will pay careful attention to its
recommendations.
Regional Airports
(St Austell and Newquay)
(Lab)
15. What steps she is taking to ensure the resilience of regional
airports. (900481)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
Although airports are responsible for their own resilience and
financial plans, the Department continues to engage with the
industry to ensure that operations are as resilient as possible.
Furthermore, my officials are actively exploring opportunities
for improving the resilience of the sector.
Aviation at Cornwall airport, Newquay, is under threat from
increasing regulatory burdens, leading its owner, Cornwall
council, to explore costly funding options that could put this
aviation business on an even less stable footing, despite its
clear benefit to the public good and the local economy. Will the
Minister outline the steps being taken to ensure that there is an
adequate strategy in place to support airports in meeting these
increasing regulatory burdens?
As my hon. Friend knows, the UK aviation market predominantly
operates in the private sector, and regulatory costs are common
to several industries. My Department is working with the aviation
industry to understand the impact of these costs, and I am sure
he will continue to champion the public service obligation route
between Newquay and London, which enables more passengers to use
Newquay airport.
Capital Investment
(Moray West, Nairn and
Strathspey) (SNP)
18. Whether she has had discussions with the Chancellor of the
Exchequer on increasing capital investment in transport.
(900484)
The Secretary of State for Transport ()
As the Chancellor set out in her statement, this Government
inherited a £22 billion fiscal black hole, including billions of
pounds of underfunded and unfunded transport projects. We must
fix the foundations of the economy, so I am reviewing capital
expenditure in transport to ensure that every penny is spent
responsibly, to get the best value for money, and to ensure that
our investment powers growth in every corner of the country.
The Secretary of State will be aware of the ambitions of Scotland
and the other devolved nations when it comes to major capital
transport schemes. However, she will also be aware of the
swingeing cuts made to capital budgets by the previous Tory
Government, while construction inflation has risen to
eye-watering levels. Will she ensure that capital funding for
transport projects is substantially increased to enable work on
vital connectivities to progress at pace?
I have met the Scottish Transport Minister, , and look forward to a
constructive working relationship with her. The hon. Gentleman
will appreciate that spending commitments are a matter for the
spending review, but those negotiations and discussions are
ongoing.
(Dartford) (Lab)
As a result of under-investment in the lower Thames crossing
project, Dartford residents face a noxious cocktail of bad air
quality and disruption, living as they do near the hugely over
capacity Dartford crossing. Will my right hon. Friend consider
making representations to the Treasury to ensure that the lower
Thames crossing, which is a vital infrastructure project, is
funded?
The decision around the development consent order for the lower
Thames crossing is a quasi-judicial one. I am afraid I am unable
to comment further than my written ministerial statement this
week.
Publicly-controlled Bus Services: Ringfenced Funding
(Blyth and Ashington) (Lab)
19. If she will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the
provision of ringfenced funding for local authorities to deliver
publicly-controlled bus services. (900485)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
As part of our plan to deliver better bus services, the
Government have committed to reforming bus funding by giving
local authorities the tools they need to ensure services reflect
the needs of the communities they serve. We want to give local
leaders more control and flexibility over bus funding, and allow
them to plan ahead to deliver their local transport priorities.
We are considering how best to support buses in the longer term
as part of the spending review.
The Government's better buses Bill is a fantastic example of what
a Labour Government can achieve and do. For the Bill to be
successful, if funding is made available, we must ensure bus
drivers are paid adequately and local residents have an input
into the design, regularity and quality of routes. Will the
Minister confirm that that will form part of the Bill and that
this Labour Government will end the Tories' 14-year ideological
war on municipal transport?
I agree with my hon. Friend. I reassure him that we are committed
to delivering better bus services and that we will always put
passengers first. Our forthcoming bus Bill is a crucial part of
our reforms. When it is introduced later in this Session, it will
increase powers available to local leaders, because those local
leaders are best placed to make decisions on their bus networks,
and remove the Conservatives' ideological ban on municipal bus
companies.
Rural Transport Links
(Central Suffolk and North
Ipswich) (Con)
20. What steps her Department is taking to improve transport
links in rural areas. (900486)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
The Government know that Britain needs a modern transport network
to help kickstart economic growth. Under the previous Government,
the loss of thousands of vital bus services across the country
has left too many rural areas with poor transport links. That is
why the Government will be introducing a new buses Bill to put
power over local services back in the hands of local leaders
right across England, to ensure networks can meet the needs of
the communities that rely on them, including in Suffolk and other
rural areas in England.
While I welcome the news that this Government plan to deliver
1,200 UK-made zero-emission buses to help local authorities
deliver on their transport ambitions and seize opportunities to
embrace zero-emissions transport technology, may I ask what
consideration the Secretary of State and her Department have
given to the much-needed expansion of electric vehicle charging
networks in rural communities, specifically those in central
Suffolk, to support the roll-out of the electric fleet?
We will be making an announcement soon on that expansion.
Topical Questions
(Ruislip, Northwood and
Pinner) (Con)
T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental
responsibilities.(900516)
The Secretary of State for Transport ()
I pledged to move fast and fix things, and that is exactly what
my Department is doing. Not only have we ended the longest ever
national strike on our railways, saving the taxpayer millions and
boosting our economy, we have passed a landmark Bill through this
House to bring rail services back into public hands after decades
of failure and fragmentation. We are taking back control of buses
by providing new powers to deliver control to every community in
England. We have taken a step closer to greener flights, with a
new sustainable aviation fuel mandate. Just yesterday, I
announced new measures to strengthen working rights at sea and
prevent a repeat of the P&O Ferries scandal ever happening
again.
Transport is powering the crucial work of repair and renewal. It
underpins each of our national missions, from economic growth to
clean energy, and under this Government it will serve working
people, wherever they live.
My constituent, Frederick Cooksley, was sent a fine by the Mayor
of London for breaching the ultra low emission zone rules,
despite driving on a road where the ULEZ does not apply, which
provides access to a very important hospital in my constituency.
Will she prevail upon her colleague the Mayor of London to
ensure, unlike Mr Cooksley, who had to challenge at great length
to get his money back, that everyone who has been issued a fine
in error for driving on a road where the rules do not apply is
automatically refunded?
I am sure the Mayor of London will have heard that question. We
will pass on issues around fining on roads where the ULEZ does
not apply.
(Thurrock) (Lab)
T2. At best, the proposed lower Thames crossing offers only a
short-term mitigation to the problem of congestion at the
Dartford crossing, but will have a significantly detrimental
environmental and quality-of-life impact for my constituents and
feels counterintuitive to the Government's net zero ambitions.
Given that, what steps will the Secretary of State take to
consider the potential for investment in cross-river public
transport, including the KenEx tram scheme—(900517)
Mr Speaker
Order. I am sorry, but this is topicals. It was a bad example to
begin with, but do not make it worse. I am sure that you are
coming to the end of your question now.
What steps will the Secretary of State take to consider
cross-river public transport?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and completely understand
the concerns that she raises about congestion in the area. The
outlined business case submitted by KenEx, to which she refers,
was unfortunately unable to progress further after its submission
in 2022, as it lacked critical detail. Should alternatives be
brought forward, I am sure that they will be considered.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Secretary of State.
(Faversham and Mid Kent)
(Con)
After just 100 days, this is already one of the most anti-growth
Governments in history, from investor-scaring taxes to the right
hon. Lady hitting the brakes on our transport infrastructure
pipeline, with Northern Powerhouse Rail, the Midlands Rail Hub
and road upgrades across the country all on hold. Growth requires
investment and investment requires confidence. Will she give some
to the businesses looking to invest, to the contractors waiting
to get started, and, crucially, to the communities that so badly
need these upgrades?
I wonder whether the hon. Lady has spoken to any businesses or
infrastructure providers over the past 14 years who have suffered
appalling uncertainty and a lack of confidence. Her Government
presided over billions of pounds of waste and failure in the
delivery of infrastructure and have cost our economy hundreds of
billions of pounds.
I was expecting the right hon. Lady to say something along the
lines of “wait for the Budget”, or “wait for the spending
review”, as we have heard many times during this question
session. However, she did not wait for the Budget to give unions
a massive pay rise, to re-announce our plan to get HS2 to Euston,
or to signal billions of pounds for a new HS2-light. If she can
make those decisions before the Budget, surely she can confirm
that every penny of investment that we had committed to transport
through Network North will continue to be invested in our
country's transport infra- structure.
The hon. Lady can wait for the Budget!
Mrs (Wolverhampton North
East) (Lab)
T3. Dangerous driving is a major concern, particularly following
a serious crash in my constituency last week. With West Midlands
police committed to Vision Zero, what additional support is the
Department for Transport providing to help local enforcement and
campaigns to tackle speeding and other dangerous driving
behaviours?(900518)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that vital question. Every
death on our roads is a tragedy. We expect drivers to observe the
speed limit, and, of course, enforcement is a matter for the
police. Last week, I met Richard Parker, the Mayor of the west
midlands, to discuss our shared determination to improve road
safety.
Mr Speaker
I call the Liberal Democrat spokesman.
Mr (Wimbledon) (LD)
I congratulate the Secretary of State on saying recently that it
is ridiculous for HS2 to end at Old Oak Common. Can she confirm
whether funding for the work necessary at Euston station has now
been secured and what she is doing to reverse the Tories' equally
absurd decision to end the northern leg at Birmingham?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his comments. As I said
earlier, nowhere is the legacy of the previous Government more
pertinent than the mess in which they left HS2. Even under their
disgraced plans, Euston was always going to be part of the
position on HS2, and we will shortly be making a full
announcement about the future of HS2 and, crucially, about its
cost controls.
(Newcastle upon Tyne East and
Wallsend) (Lab)
T7. I am pleased to hear that the Secretary of State has said
that, unlike the previous hapless Government, she will prevent
another scandal such as the sudden sacking of 800 P&O ferry
employees two years ago. Will she please outline what steps she
intends to take to stop anything like that ever happening
again?(900522)
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. The
previous Government took two-and-a-half years after the P&O
ferry scandal to do nothing. In fewer than 100 days, we are
bringing forward legislation that will prevent such a scandal
ever happening again, and we are working with operators who
employ properly in this space and the trade unions to bring
forward protections on rostering as well.
Sir (Maldon) (Con)
T4. The A12 is the major artery between London and the east
coast, yet it is already busier than most motorways and suffers
from horrendous congestion and delays. Will the Minister
therefore press ahead with the widening scheme, which is at an
advanced stage, and without which the Government's projected
growth targets and housing targets simply will not be
met?(900519)
I understand the pressures in relation to the A12, but as the
right hon. Member will know, the Secretary of State has announced
a review of our Department's capital portfolio that will support
the development of our long-term strategy for transport, and of
course there is a Budget and a spending review coming up.
(Rochester and Strood)
(Lab)
T8. Eurostar services have not called at Ashford or Ebbsfleet
international rail stations since the pandemic, with Eurostar
stating that it will not resume services for some years. That is
having a really detrimental impact on businesses and residents in
my constituency, and more broadly across Medway and Kent. Will
the Secretary of State meet me, other interested MPs and
representatives from the Kent and Medway economic partnership to
discuss options to restore this vital rail service and help to
boost economic growth in the region?(900523)
I am grateful for my hon. Friend's important question. We share
her and her constituents' disappointment in the commercial
decision by Eurostar to cease services. We hope to see a
reinstatement, either by Eurostar or another operator, in the
future, but I will meet with her, other MPs and local
stakeholders to continue discussing this matter.
(Wokingham) (LD)
T5. Government allocations to local highway authorities for road
maintenance have been frozen since 2016, with no funding for new
roads since 2012. My constituency has lost over half its funding.
Will the Minister urgently investigate how road maintenance
funding for local authorities can be restored?(900520)
There is no greater sign of the failure of the previous
Government than the appalling state of our roads. That is why
this Government have already committed to supporting local
authorities across England to fix up to 1 million extra potholes
every year. We will have more to say on this in due course.
(Exeter) (Lab)
T9. Exeter has a good and well used rail system that is vital for
the economic and social success of our city; however, two of our
stations—St Thomas and Polsloe Bridge—are accessible only to
people who can climb flights of stairs. Will the Minister please
update the House on the work that the Government are undertaking
to ensure that our rail network is accessible to
everyone?(900525)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the important issue of
accessibility. We are carefully considering the best approach to
the Access for All programme. I am afraid that we are not yet
able to comment on next steps regarding projects at specific
stations; however, ensuring that the rail network is accessible
to absolutely everyone is at the heart of our passenger-focused
approach, and I will speak to him about it further.
(Brighton Pavilion) (Green)
T6. Has the Minister's capital portfolio review properly
considered the health, social and equalities aspects of value for
money, and will it therefore recommend cancelling more road
building schemes from the previous Government in favour of a real
long-term boost to local authority active travel
funding?(900521)
The capital review and our assessment of the transport appraisal
guidance are absolutely considering how we can capture better the
wider implications of transport infrastructure funding. We are
committed to working with Active Travel England and ensuring that
all investment involves consideration of how we can better
promote active travel and public transport use, but we are
committed to road building as well.
(Ashford) (Lab)
The deployment of Operation Brock to queue freight lorries
heading to Dover on the M20 caused huge disruption and
inconvenience for residents and businesses throughout my Ashford
constituency. Ahead of the introduction of the new EU entry/exit
system, will the Government work with the French Government,
local authorities, the port of Dover, and Eurotunnel to minimise
delays and ensure that Operation Brock is used only as a measure
of last resort?
Both the Secretary of State and I have visited Kent a number of
times in recent weeks and months. We meet regularly with our
colleagues in the Home Office, the Cabinet Office and the
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to discuss the
impacts of the new EU entry/exit system, and we will intensify
those discussions as we approach the implementation date.
Mr Speaker
I call the Father of the House.
Sir (Gainsborough) (Con)
The previous Minister promised me and my hon. Friend the Member
for Brigg and Immingham () that he had instructed LNER
and Network Rail to ensure that we get our through train from
Grimsby to London. Will the Minister confirm that she will
continue those firm instructions and, above all, ensure that this
train stops? If it does not stop in Market Rasen, I am going to
lie down on the line and stop it that way.
I do hope that the right hon. Member will not put himself in such
danger. We are working with industry to address timetabling,
financial, operational and infrastructure issues that need to be
resolved before a service between Cleethorpes and London via
Market Rasen could be introduced, once the east coast main line
timetable change has been implemented. We will consider any
proposals put forward, with approval subject to funding and a
thorough business case process.
(Battersea) (Lab)
One of the final acts of the last Tory Government was to cancel
Access for All funding for Battersea Park station in my
constituency, despite there being a costed plan in place with the
local authority. The funding has been promised for more than a
decade. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can get the
project back on track and finally make Battersea Park station
step-free?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who has been campaigning on this
issue since the moment she set foot in this House. I would be
delighted to meet her to see how we can take forward this
important project.
(Harpenden and
Berkhamsted) (LD)
Local people in Harpenden and Berkhamsted are already blighted by
noise from Luton airport, and are highly concerned about the
proposed expansion to almost double passenger capacity. What
assessment has the Minister made of the compatibility of the
expansion with the views of the Government's own advisers, the
Climate Change Committee?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
Currently, Luton airport is part of a development consent order,
on which I cannot comment as a Minister, but I would remind
people that it is always important to balance noise and local
economic activity.
(Reading Central) (Lab)
Twenty-five years ago, two trains collided just west of
Paddington station, in what was one of worst rail accidents of
recent times. Thirty-one people lost their lives and many more
were injured. Will the Secretary of State join me in paying
tribute to all those who were affected by the Paddington rail
crash?
I commend my hon. Friend for his bravery in recently speaking out
about his personal involvement in that tragic crash, and I thank
my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington and Bayswater () and my officials for attending
the commemoration last weekend. I join my hon. Friend the Member
for Reading Central () in paying tribute to the
families of the victims and to all those heroes who responded on
the day.
(Sutton and Cheam) (LD)
Residents in my constituency have been in contact about services
at Worcester Park, which have been cut dramatically over the past
few years, as has already been alluded to by my hon. Friend the
Member for Wimbledon (Mr Kohler). One resident complains that
prices have gone up by 20% in the past five years, and that the
last train has been brought back from almost 1 am to before
midnight. This is not only throttling London's night-time
economy, but causing issues for local residents who choose more
sustainable transport. Will the Minister explain when we can
expect to see improvements in services following
renationalisation, which may begin as early as next year?
The hon. Member has outlined exactly the kind of issues that we
seek to address through the public ownership reforms and the
creation of Great British Railways. The Department is already
working with operators that are in public ownership and those
that are not yet, such as Southern, to ensure that the decisions
that they make are properly joined up with Network Rail and that
we can start driving improvements immediately.
(York Central)
(Lab/Co-op)
As a result of a failure in regulation, the cross-border taxi
trade is undermining the high standards set by local taxi
companies and black cabs. What is being done to improve
regulation, and will the Minister meet me to discuss the
situation in York?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport ()
We are aware of concerns about the current legislative and
regulatory framework and would be delighted to meet her to
discuss that further.
Mr (Basildon and Billericay)
(Con)
The previous Government introduced the “get around for £2” bus
fare, which was committed to for five years in the Conservative
manifesto. Given that—
Mr Speaker
Order. Face this way, please. Questions should be asked through
me, not addressed directly to the Minister.
Mr Holden
Of course, Mr Speaker. Will the Government commit to extending
the fare until at least the end of this financial year? It is so
important for rural bus users and for lower-paid workers
accessing employment right across the country.
We are considering the benefits that have accrued as a result of
the £2 bus fare and what steps we will take next. Of course, that
will all form part of the spending review.
Dr (Gravesham) (Lab)
While the lower Thames crossing is under review, what steps is
the Secretary of State taking to promote river transport
crossings such as river buses?
I will ask my officials to look into river buses, and I will
write to my hon. Friend after today's session.
(Salisbury) (Con)
The A36 is a critical route between Southampton and Bath/Bristol.
A study was completed several months ago. Given the decision on
the A303 tunnel just north of Salisbury, will the appropriate
Minister meet me so that we can discuss connectivity and remove
the pinch-point on the Southampton Road south of Salisbury on the
A36?
I would be very happy to meet the right hon. Member to discuss
that.
(Bexleyheath and Crayford)
(Lab)
I pay tribute to the “Rights on Flights” campaign for the work
that it is doing to improve accessibility, particularly for
wheelchair users. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to
improve aviation accessibility for disabled people?
I met the “Rights on Flights” campaign early on after becoming
Secretary of State. We will set out our plans to address the
major issue of aviation accessibility shortly.
(Aldridge-Brownhills)
(Con)
The last Conservative Government ringfenced funding to the West
Midlands Combined Authority for the delivery of a train station
in Aldridge. Can the Secretary of State confirm that that is
proceeding as planned and will be delivered by 2027, or has she
signed away our ringfenced funding in favour of a wider Transport
for West Midlands budget in order to support the Labour Mayor's
ideologically driven plan for bus nationalisation?
The West Midlands Mayor's plan for bus services across the west
midlands are predicated on delivering better bus services and
transport across the region as a whole. We will look into where
the funding is for the Aldridge train station.
(Brigg and Immingham)
(Con)
I welcome the Secretary of State's decision to approve the new
roll-on, roll-off shipping terminal at Immingham. However, as she
will be aware, it will put more pressure on the local road
network, particularly the A180. Will she bring forward
improvements to the A180, particularly the removal of the
concrete surfaces? Long term, we really need the A180 to be
upgraded to motorway status.
I have heard all about the A180 from the hon. Gentleman, and from
my hon. Friend the Member for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
(), so I know about the issues
that it is causing his constituents. We will write to him with a
National Highways update.
(Stratford-on-Avon)
(LD)
The town of Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most visited
locations in the UK, yet for many years we have not had a direct
train to the capital. What steps is the Secretary of State taking
to fix the lack of capacity in Chiltern Railways so that my
constituents and visitors can travel directly and sustainably to
and from London?
That sort of service and provision is exactly what the reforms
around Great British Railways are designed to address. Decisions
around infrastructure and operations will be made together so
that we can deliver services that make sense for the hon. Lady's
constituents, for visitors and for the economy as a whole.
(Honiton and Sidmouth)
(LD)
One hundred and fifty parishes in Devon wrote to Devon county
council last year asking for 20 mph zones, but only six were
successful. Those that were not successful were told that they
could pursue the measure through so-called “community
self-delivery.” My constituents think, “But this is what we pay
our council tax for.” Does the Secretary of State understand
that?
I am very grateful for the hon. Gentleman's question. It is
absolutely my position that if local residents want to design and
support local measures around speeding and road safety, they
should be supported to do so by their local authorities.
