Asked by: Baroness Burt of Solihull (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential benefits of the Birmingham Airport Connectivity Scheme for the levelling up agenda.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
This Government is committed to ensuring that transport and infrastructure investment levels up economies across the country. In examining the case for the Birmingham Airport Connectivity, as with all rail projects, it will be necessary to assess its contribution to the Government’s strategic priorities as part of the consideration of the business case for this proposal.
Asked by: Baroness Burt of Solihull (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect a decision will be made on the Birmingham Airport Connectivity scheme, as part of the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline process.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) for the North and Midlands is considering how best to deliver schemes such as HS2 Phase 2b, Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) and Midlands Engine Rail in the North and Midlands.
Birmingham Airport Connectivity project is part of the Midlands Engine Rail proposals and it will be appropriate to consider the case for this scheme when the Integrated Rail Plan concludes. We intend to publish the IRP this Spring.