Mark Pritchard
Could the Secretary of State reassure all my businesses and constituents in the Wrekin that there is no conflict of interest between Great British Railways and the Office of Rail and Road when deciding these applications?
Heidi Alexander
…I can also assure him that in the past I have been as supportive, from the Department for Transport, as Network Rail has been of the open access application from Wrexham, Shropshire and the west midlands, and I will maintain my support for the proposals going forward.
[Official Report, 12 February 2026; Vol. 780, c. 909.]
Written correction submitted by the Secretary of State for Transport, the right hon. Member for Swindon South (Heidi Alexander):
Heidi Alexander
…I can also assure him that in the past I have been supportive, from the Department for Transport, of the open access application from Wrexham, Shropshire and the west midlands, and I will maintain my support for the proposals going forward.
Topical Questions
The following extract is from Transport oral questions on 12 February 2026.
Martin Wrigley
Roadworks in my constituency are causing traffic hell, and residents have had enough. With the two-year closure of the A382 for much-needed work, utilities companies are taking advantage by doing roadworks everywhere, and the county council is powerless to cause them to co-operate and co-ordinate. What does the Secretary of State suggest I say to my residents, whom I am meeting this evening?
Heidi Alexander
The hon. Member may wish to tell his residents about the Government’s determination to tackle these issues. For example, we have doubled the fines that local authorities can charge utility companies when works overrun. I recognise how disruptive these works are for local communities, and it is an issue that the Government take very seriously.
[Official Report, 12 February 2026; Vol. 780, c. 918.]
Written correction submitted by the Secretary of State for Transport, the right hon. Member for Swindon South (Heidi Alexander):
Heidi Alexander
The hon. Member may wish to tell his residents about the Government’s determination to tackle these issues. For example, we have doubled fixed-penalty notices that local authorities can charge utility companies and extended overrun charges. I recognise how disruptive these works are for local communities, and it is an issue that the Government take very seriously.