Lord Berkeley Portrait

Lord Berkeley

Labour - Life peer

Became Member: 18th April 2000


Justice and Home Affairs Committee
31st Jan 2024 - 7th Mar 2024
Built Environment Committee
14th Apr 2021 - 31st Jan 2024
EU Goods Sub-Committee
23rd Apr 2020 - 31st Mar 2021
EU Internal Market Sub-Committee
2nd Jul 2019 - 23rd Apr 2020
European Union Committee
3rd Jun 1997 - 11th Nov 1999
Administration and Works Committee (Lords)
17th Dec 1998 - 11th Nov 1999


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Lord Berkeley has voted in 75 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Lord Berkeley Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour)
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
(26 debate interactions)
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour)
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
(4 debate interactions)
Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Labour)
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
(4 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department for Transport
(43 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(10 debate contributions)
Department for Business and Trade
(4 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Crown Estate Act 2025
(4,224 words contributed)
Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [HL] 2024-26
(3,588 words contributed)
Great British Energy Bill 2024-26
(1,362 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Lord Berkeley's debates

Lords initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Lord Berkeley, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.


9 Bills introduced by Lord Berkeley


A Bill to amend the Sovereign Grant Act 2011; to amend the succession to the title of the Duke of Cornwall; to redistribute the Duchy of Cornwall estate; and to remove the requirement for a Parliament to obtain the Queen's or Prince's consent to consideration of Bills passing through Parliament.

Lords - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading: House Of Lords
Friday 8th November 2013

To establish a Marine Navigation Aids Commission; to establish an Office of Marine Navigation Aids Regulation; to amend the Merchant Shipping Act 1995; and for connected purposes.

Lords - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading: House Of Lords
Friday 21st January 2011

A Bill to Amend the succession to the title of Duke of Cornwall, to remove the presumption of Crown immunity applying to the Duke of Cornwall and Duchy of Cornwall; to remove certain exemptions and immunities from the Duke of Cornwall and Duchy of Cornwall; to allow the present Duke of Cornwall to purchase land and estates in land throughout the United Kingdom; to make provision about legal representation of and legal advice given to the Duke and Duchy of Cornwall; and to provide that the Duchy of Cornwall shall become subject to the Crown Estate Act 1961

Lords - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Thursday 9th December 2021
(Read Debate)

A bill to amend the succession to the title of Duke of Cornwall; to remove various powers, exemptions and immunities from the Duchy of Cornwall; to make provisions relating to the Treasury Solicitor and any solicitor or attorney appointed in the affairs of the Duchy; and for connected purposes

Lords - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 20th January 2020
(Read Debate)

A Bill to amend the succession to the title of the Duke of Cornwall, to remove the presumption of Crown Immunity applying to the Duchy of Cornwall, to remove various powers, exemptions and immunities from the Duchy of Cornwall, to confirm the right to Royal Mines within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly vests in the Crown, to provide the right to Treasure Trove, bona vacantia and escheat within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly lies with the Crown and to provide that any attorney or solicitor appointed in the affairs of the Duchy of Cornwall shall be called to the Bar or hold a practising certificate as appropriate; and for connected purposes

Lords - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Lords
Wednesday 10th June 2015

A Bill To amend the succession to the title of the Duke of Cornwall, to remove the presumption of Crown Immunity applying to the Duchy of Cornwall, to remove various exemptions and immunities from the Duchy of Cornwall, to confirm the right to Royal Mines within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly vests in the Crown, to provide the right to Treasure Trove, bona vacantia and escheat within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly lies with the Crown and to provide that any attorney or solicitor appointed in the affairs of the Duchy of Cornwall shall be called to the Bar or hold a practising certificate as appropriate. Lord Berkeley Ordered to be Printed, 10th June 2014

Lords - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Lords
Tuesday 10th June 2014

A bill to make provision about marine navigation.

Lords - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Lords
Tuesday 15th May 2012

First reading took place on 26 March. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled. A bill to amend the Sovereign Grant Act 2011; amend the succession to the title of the Duke of Cornwall; re-distribute the Duchy of Cornwall estate; and to remove the requirement for a Parliament to obtain Queen or Prince's consent to consideration of bills passing through Parliament.

Lords - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Lords
Tuesday 26th March 2013

First reading took place on 5 July. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.The 2010-12 session of parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Lords - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Lords
Tuesday 5th July 2011

Lord Berkeley has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
1 Other Department Questions
19th Dec 2024
To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what are the rules for All-Party Parliamentary Groups requiring them to advertise their future meetings; and who is responsible for monitoring and enforcing any non-compliance.

The arrangements for All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are set out in the The All-Party Parliamentary Groups Guide to the Rules. This states that the chair of the relevant APPG is responsible for the publication of certain meetings at least a week in advance in the All-Party Notices. The meetings which require a notice are an annual general meeting; an extraordinary general meeting; or any other meeting where a vote is to be held or a decision taken, or where there is an outside speaker. The notice in the All-Party Notices must include the details of a parliamentary contact and, if relevant, the name of the outside speaker.

The Guide to the Rules was approved by the House of Commons Standards Committee following a resolution of the House of Commons.

Paragraph 10 of the House of Commons Code of Conduct provides that an MP who is the chair and registered contact of an APPG must ensure that the APPG complies with the rules on APPGs. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards may investigate alleged breach of those rules. Members of the House of Lords are not permitted to be named as the chair and registered contact of an APPG but may be an office holder.

4th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have plans to remove the word Empire from honours awarded.

There are no plans to amend the name of the Order of the British Empire.

Baroness Twycross
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
12th Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Statement by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 26 February (HLWS493), what is the meaning of "immobilise" in relation to the UK-owned civil separated plutonium inventory at Sellafield.

Immobilisation will place the separated plutonium into an inherently safer and more stable form, which reduces the long-term management burden during storage and is suitable for a geological disposal facility. The NDA is working with commercial partners and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory to develop suitable technology options which would put the material into a ceramic form which would be both radiation tolerant and resistant under GDF conditions.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what factors will be considered when making a final investment decision in relation to Sizewell C, and whether this decision is dependent on further regulatory approval.

Work continues to secure a Final Investment Decision (FID) for Sizewell C. Any decision to take FID will consider all relevant factors and be supported by the Full Business Case (FBC) and a Value for Money Assessment, in line with HM Treasury’s Green Book guidance.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th Feb 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of UK-based infrastructure in supporting the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS); and what discussions they have had with European counterparts on the potential for the UK’s continued hosting of that infrastructure to facilitate the restoration of EGNOS services for UK aviation.

The UK continues to host two Ranging Integrity Monitoring Stations, in Glasgow and Swanwick, that support European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) services. The Government is considering options for future UK access to a Satellite Based Augmentation System such as EGNOS, and no decision has been taken. The Government has not had any discussions with European counterparts on the restoration of EGNOS services.

Lord Vallance of Balham
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
24th Feb 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of the reasons why the European Union has provided European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service services to non-EU countries, including Iceland and Serbia, at no cost; and what steps they are taking to ensure that the UK receives fair and equitable treatment in its access to the service.

The Government has not made an assessment of the EU's reasons for providing European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) services to Iceland and Serbia, and respects the EU's decision-making independence on whether to grant EGNOS working agreements to non-EU countries. UK businesses and organisations are able to use the freely available "open" EGNOS signal. The Government is considering options for future UK access to a Satellite Based Augmentation System such as EGNOS, and no decision has been taken.

Lord Vallance of Balham
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
14th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are providing the Council of the Isles of Scilly with additional funding in the financial year 2024–25 for the purposes of the travel and accommodation of students to the mainland for post-16 education and, if so, how much.

The government recognises the challenges faced by Isles of Scilly students and their families in the transition to post-16 education and has contributed over £300,000 (£6,365 per student) in the 2024/5 academic year to support the Council of the Isles of Scilly, as it seeks to help families meet the cost of travel and accommodation on the mainland.

The department keeps all its student financial support policies under review, including through the ongoing Spending Review process. This will consider funding arrangements for all post-16 students in England from 2025 to 2026.

Baroness Smith of Malvern
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
4th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to ensure that its legal obligations to reduce nitrogen dioxide are met.

Officials from the Defra/Department for Transport Joint Air Quality Unit have been in regular contact and discussion with those in Greater Manchester Combined Authority, through Transport for Greater Manchester, throughout their development. We are currently considering the Greater Manchester proposals and will respond shortly.

Baroness Hayman of Ullock
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to support the UK coastal fishing industry with seafood grants to improve fuel efficiency, crew health and safety, and the economic viability of the sector.

Food security is national security, and a sustainable fishing industry is an important part of that. Decisions on future funding for the fishing industry will be taken through the Spending Review processes. Discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry over the last two months have been helpful in gaining an understanding of what other types of support or Government action may be appropriate. These discussions will continue.

Baroness Hayman of Ullock
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
24th Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what investigations they have undertaken about the provision of a link between the new station at Old Oak Common and the proposed new Hythe Road station on the London Overground's Mildmay Line.

The HS2 station currently being constructed at Old Oak Common will connect HS2 services with services on the existing Great Western Main Line including an interchange with the Elizabeth line; provisional journey times are approximately 15 minutes from Old Oak Common to London’s West End, 20 minutes to the City, and 25 minutes to Canary Wharf.

The local area surrounding Old Oak Common station is currently subject to proposals for development by various organisations. Whilst the HS2 Ltd design for Old Oak Common has not yet integrated designs, the urban realm area and station itself has been designed and sized to account for growth. To the east of the site, in the direction of Hythe Road, the station design provides passive provision for both pedestrian and vehicle bridge links so that these can be added later if needed, after the station ceases to operate as a terminus. Note that the proposed station at Hythe Road is a Transport for London proposal and HS2 Ltd isn't delivering any direct scope associated with this station.

HS2 Ltd continues to work closely with the Old Oak Park Royal Development Corporation, local boroughs and Transport for London to review potential pedestrian routes and ensure feasibility of proposals for development.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
13th Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, following their decision to refuse permission for the building of the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange, what plans they have to increase the volume of freight carried by rail.

The Government continues to support modal shift from road to rail through the Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme, which we have extended to at least 31 March 2026. As stated in our consultation document on proposals to reform our railways, there will be a statutory duty on Great British Railways to promote the use of rail freight, alongside a growth target set by the Secretary of State. We will also include safeguards to ensure that freight operators continue to receive fair access to the network. Both Government and Great British Railways will work with the rail freight industry on further actions to support growth.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
10th Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of comments by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, reported in New Civil Engineer on 4 March, that spending "vast sums" on High Speed 2's bat tunnel is "ludicrous", why they have allowed construction to continue at a cost of £119 million.

The cost of the Sheephouse Wood bat structure is £95m in 2019 prices. It has been designed and constructed to comply with species protection laws as they currently stand, and to fulfil the requirements of the licence issued by Natural England in 2023. Abandoning construction in advance of any changes to the relevant legislation would be a breach of the conditions under which the new railway can be legally operated, and a presumption of the will of Parliament. Furthermore, and in common with much of the civil engineering structures for HS2, construction of the bat mitigation structure is well advanced and forms part of an integrated design for the railway in the Calvert area. In such circumstances, decommissioning and removing the elements of the structure already built, and redesigning and then constructing an alternative scheme for this section of railway would - at this stage in the construction schedule - cost more than completing the existing structure.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
3rd Mar 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will name the accounting officers, officials and ministers with responsibility for HS2 from 2015 to present.

Within the Department for Transport, the Permanent Secretaries and Principal Accounting Officers with responsibility for High Speed Two (HS2) from 2015 to present are Philip Rutnam and Bernadette Kelly. The Directors General and Senior Responsible Owners for the project during that time period are David Prout, Michael Hurn (acting), Clive Maxwell, and Alan Over.

With respect to ministers, the Secretaries of State for Transport since 2015 bore ultimate ministerial responsibility for the project. In chronological order, they have been Patrick McLoughlin, Christopher Grayling, Grant Shapps, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Mark Harper, Louise Haigh, and Heidi Alexander.

Under the Secretary of State for Transport, various ministers have shared ministerial responsibility for HS2 within the Department since 2015. In chronological order, they have been Robert Goodwill, Paul Maynard, Nusrat Ghani, Andrew Stephenson, Trudy Harrison, Kevin Foster, Huw Merriman, and Lord Peter Hendy.

Within HS2 Ltd, individuals holding Chief Executive Officer and Accounting Officer responsibilities since 2015 have been, in chronological order, Simon Kirby, Roy Hill, Mark Thurston, Sir Jon Thompson, Alan Foster, and Mark Wild.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
27th Feb 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what role they envisage for the Rail Safety and Standards Board within the new railway structure with Great British Railways.

The independent Rail Safety and Standards Board acts as the safety, standards and research body for Great Britain’s rail network. We will review its exact remit to ensure it is able to fulfil a similar role within the new model.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
24th Feb 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the removal of localiser performance with vertical guidance approaches on general aviation, emergency medical services, and regional airports; and what steps they are taking to mitigate the economic and operational impact of the loss of European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service services.

Larger UK airports and many regional airports have Instrument Landing Systems in place and therefore a satellite-based augmentation system) such as European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), is primarily beneficial at smaller regional airports and General Aviation aerodromes during periods of poor weather resulting in restricted visibility. Flights that are taking place continue to do so safely, following alternative Civil Aviation Authority approved procedures.

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) will, in the UK, be supported through a GNSS Point in Space ‘PinS’ approach to helicopter landing sites at trauma hospitals which will greatly assist in increasing the utility of air ambulance helicopters in poor visibility conditions.

Government is considering options for UK access to a satellite-based augmentation system, following our withdrawal from the EU's EGNOS system. This work is continuing and no decision has yet been made.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
24th Feb 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the European Commission and other relevant EU bodies on securing the reinstatement of UK access to the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service for localiser performance with vertical guidance approach procedures; and what timeline they have established for restoring this capability to UK airports.

Government are resetting the relationship with our European friends to strengthen ties, secure a broad-based security pact and tackle barriers to trade. However, the Government is still considering options for UK access to a satellite-based augmentation system, following our withdrawal from the EU's EGNOS system. This work is continuing and no decision has yet been made.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
7th Feb 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to reports of fraud in the letting of development contracts for Euston station by the Department for Transport to Lendlease, whether the Cabinet Office has any plans (1) to undertake an investigation, (2) to void the existing contract, and (3) to retender the development work at Euston station, in accordance with government procurement rules.

HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport do not recognise the reports of alleged ‘foul play’ in the letting of these contracts. HS2 Ltd acted as agent on behalf of Network Rail and DfT in procuring the Master Development Partner for the Euston Over-site Development. I have been assured that HS2 Ltd had in place rigorous procurement processes, which were aligned to all necessary legislation and best practice on public procurement, including in respect of the identification and management of conflicts of interest. The contracting approach and contract award were further scrutinised and approved by the department. Given this, the Department has no cause to further investigate or void the contract.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
5th Feb 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what percentage of aviation fuel is sourced from sustainable sources in the United Kingdom; and what are the most common sources from which this fuel is produced.

The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) Mandate – which came into effect at the start of this year - is the UK’s key policy to decarbonise jet fuel. It obligates the supply of an increasing amount of SAF in the overall UK aviation fuel mix; starting at 2% in 2025, reaching 15% in 2035 and 22% in 2040. Targets beyond 2040 will remain at the same level (22%) but will be kept under review – and can be increased as the market develops.

The UK is already making significant progress in the supply of SAF. 97 million litres of SAF were supplied in 2023, equivalent to 77 kilotonnes or 0.7% of all jet fuel supplied in the UK that year, and double the amount in the previous year. In 2023, 99.6% (96.3 million litres) of SAF was from used cooking oil and 0.4% (0.3 million litres) was from food waste.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
5th Feb 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what changes are forecast in the use of sustainable aviation fuel in the next (1) 10, and (2) 20, years.

The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) Mandate – which came into effect at the start of this year - is the UK’s key policy to decarbonise jet fuel. It obligates the supply of an increasing amount of SAF in the overall UK aviation fuel mix; starting at 2% in 2025, reaching 15% in 2035 and 22% in 2040. Targets beyond 2040 will remain at the same level (22%) but will be kept under review – and can be increased as the market develops.

The UK is already making significant progress in the supply of SAF. 97 million litres of SAF were supplied in 2023, equivalent to 77 kilotonnes or 0.7% of all jet fuel supplied in the UK that year, and double the amount in the previous year. In 2023, 99.6% (96.3 million litres) of SAF was from used cooking oil and 0.4% (0.3 million litres) was from food waste.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
21st Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what is their latest estimate of the (1) completion date, and (2) overall capital cost at 2023 prices, of (a) HS2 London to Birmingham, (b) the upgrades to TransPennine infrastructure, (c) East West Rail, and (d) Network North.

a) The Secretary of State has asked HS2 Ltd CEO, Mark Wild, to undertake an assessment of the current position on cost, schedule, capability and culture. While the Company is undergoing this reset, it will not be possible to state a meaningful Estimate at Completion. Work is continuing with HM Treasury and HS2 Ltd to reset the price base and report the costs of the programme in 2025 prices as part of the second phase of the Spending Review. The forecast date for initial HS2 services between Birmingham Curzon Street and Old Oak Common remains within the range of 2029 to 2033.

(b) The total Anticipated Final Cost of Transpennine Rail Upgrade is £10.4 - £11.2bn. Government has committed £6.9bn to date, equivalent to 60% of the anticipated final cost projection with an expected completion date of 2036–2041. So far, the programme has performed well and remains on schedule and within budget.

(c) £1.3bn has been provided towards the delivery of East West Rail Connection Stage 1 which will provide services from Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes from 2025. The capital cost estimate for Connection Stages 2 (Oxford-Bedford) and 3 (Oxford-Cambridge) is £5bn-£6bn in 2021 prices. Connection Stage 2 will provide services from 2030, and Connection stage 3 will provide services from the mid-2030s.

(d) The previous Government made a series of funding promises in its Network North plan, the affordability of which my ministerial colleagues have had to re-examine. In December, the Chancellor launched the second stage of the Spending Review. This is a zero-based Spending Review, to ensure every line of spending – including the transport infrastructure portfolio – delivers the Plan for Change and provides good value for taxpayers. We expect the Spending Review to conclude by June 2025.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
7th Jan 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to place in the Library of the House a copy of the confidential document referred to in the Daily Telegraph on 18 December 2024, about the MV Ruby and its cargo of ammonium nitrate, as well as all correspondence with the Health and Safety Executive on this subject and any modelling of the dispersal of the chemical in sea water and its effect on marine life.

The MV Ruby has completed the successful discharge of her cargo and is currently undergoing repair in dry dock. The document referenced by the noble Lord was an internal briefing note and thus not prepared for publication, and we do not intend to provide any further documentation.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
18th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 18 December (HL3382), whether they will publish a cost estimate for the construction of HS2 tunnels from Old Oak Common to Euston before construction work starts; and before its destination and design is published and approved, as required by government procurement rules.

The Euston tunnels' scope is being delivered as part of the SCS Main Works Civils contract, and there are no plans for a new procurement process for this work. Due to commercial sensitivities, the department is unable to provide a specific cost breakdown for the Euston tunnels.

Previously published cost ranges for HS2 Phase One included the costs associated with the Euston tunnels. The Department is currently working with HS2 Ltd to review the Estimate at Completion (EAC) for HS2 Phase One. The results of this review, which include considerations of the Euston tunnels, will report to Parliament in due course.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
18th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made on developing the Avenue Verte cycle route launched at the UK–France Joint Leaders' Declaration in March 2023.

The Avenue Verte cycle route was put in place in advance of the 2012 London Olympic Games, using existing National Cycle Network paths for the British section of the route. At the UK-France Joint Leaders’ Declaration, both nations agreed to promote the route in support of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The Department of Transport commissioned Sustrans to deliver a series of promotional activities along the British side of the Avenue Verte walking and cycling route over 2024 and this is now complete. Sustrans is also assessing the feasibility of improving sections of the route as part of the Paths for Everyone programme.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
13th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 31 October (HL Deb col 1217), whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of any information or advice received from the Health and Safety Executive.

HSE’s advice on the risks associated with the MV Ruby contained information relevant to national security. It is currently preparing a redacted version of the advice. As soon as it is available I will ensure a copy is placed in the Library of the House.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
13th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the latest cost-benefit calculation for the construction of the four fast-line platforms on the Great Western Main Line at Old Oak Common.

Old Oak Common station design has been reviewed, and it was concluded that considering programme, cost, and railway impacts as well as required operational flexibility, the best and only viable option is to continue with the existing design. The 8 platforms within the conventional station include the four fast line platforms, principally to be used for the Great Western Railway, and four relief line platforms principally used for Elizabeth Line passengers. Detailed modelling and analysis are ongoing to determine the optimum service pattern under different scenarios, and to inform decisions on calling patterns and frequencies at Old Oak Common.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
11th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the latest estimated cost of the construction of the Old Oak Common mainline station.

The scope of Phase 1 is being reviewed to make sure the HS2 scheme is delivered at the lowest reasonable cost, including the revised approach to Euston. Once this work has been done, we will publish to Parliament a revised cost range for the revised HS2 scheme.

Within the Target Cost for Phase One, the budget allocated by HS2 Ltd for Old Oak Common station, including contingency for risk, is £1.67bn (2019 prices). As Old Oak Common is being designed and delivered as a single, integrated station this budget includes the costs for delivering both the HS2 and conventional rail elements.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
11th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what are the expected opening dates for passengers of (1) the Euston HS2 station, (2) the Old Oak Common HS2 station, and (3) the Old Oak Common mainline station.

It has been the plan for several years to open Euston after the Old Oak Common to Curzon Street section. A new delivery-into-service date range for Euston will be confirmed once we have further progressed work on the affordability of the station design

Old Oak Common is estimated to be operational between 2029-2033. The large Christmas possessions that enable services to run on the new track layout, through Old Oak Common station, are currently being replanned and further information will be available from Spring 2025.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
11th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how many trains per hour at Euston are planned to be HS2 trains in future, and how many station platforms are they expected to occupy.

The New HS2 station will consist of 6 platforms, which can support up to 10 HS2 trains per hour. No decisions have been made on the train services that will run when HS2 opens, and this will be subject to future consultation.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
11th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the latest estimated cost of the construction of the HS2 tunnels from Old Oak Common to Euston.

The Government has confirmed its committed to delivering HS2 between Birmingham and Euston at the recent budget. The scope of Phase 1 is being reviewed to ensure the HS2 scheme is delivered at the lowest reasonable cost, including the revised approach to Euston. Once this work has been done, we will publish to Parliament a revised cost range for the revised HS2 scheme including the cost of the tunnels from Old Oak Common to Euston.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
11th Dec 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the latest design for the route of the tunnels from Old Oak Common to Euston, and whether they will place in the Library of the House plans showing that route, alignment and gradients.

The route and alignment of the HS2 tunnels from Old Oak Common to Euston are bound by the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017. HS2 Ltd is responsible for designing and constructing the tunnels and grade separation and is continuing to progress with the current design ensuring compliance with all requisite technical, safety, and environmental standards. The design has been refined to minimise ground movement, and settlement mitigation measures have been developed to ensure compatibility with the operation of the existing railway.

The alignment remains materially unchanged and is publicly available on the HS2 website.

The alignment immediately approaching and within Euston Station will be subject to the finalisation of the station.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
25th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to increasing the penalties for motorists who watch films or make video calls whilst driving.

This Government takes road safety seriously, and we are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. We are currently considering policy options in this area.

Since the general election, the Department has also begun work on a new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade. The Department will share more details in due course.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
18th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government who is the Chair of the Euston Partnership; who are the members of the Board; when it last met; and whether it publishes its minutes of meetings.

The interim chair of the Euston Partnership Board is John Reed, Managing Director of the Euston Partnership. A new chair will be announced in due course.

Details of the Board membership are published in the minutes from each meeting. The Euston Partnership Board last met on 14th November 2024.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
18th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the current status of the Euston Partnership; which government department it reports to; and what are its terms of reference.

The status of the Euston Partnership Board remains unchanged and reports to the Department for Transport. A new chair will be announced in due course. The Board’s purpose and meeting minutes are published on GOV.UK.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
11th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Gower on 15 December 2023 (HL801), what are their latest estimates of journey times for passengers arriving at the planned new station at Old Oak Common by HS2 travelling to Bond Street station via (1) HS2 to Euston and then the Northern Line, and (2) the Elizabeth Line directly, including allowances for transfer between platforms, train or underground frequency, and access to street level.

I (Lord Peter Hendy) previously highlighted that the previous Government wrote to you on journey times from Old Oak Common to central London and, after a correction, provided you with the below response for travel to Bond Street.

Old Oak Common to Bond Street

In vehicle time (mins)

Walk time

(mins)

Wait time

(mins)

Total

(mins)

Via HS2 to Euston and London Underground

12.6

16.7

1.3

30.6

Via Elizabeth Line

9.8

13.8

1.2

24.8

The estimated ‘in vehicle’ and ‘walk’ times quoted are outputs from the Station Choice Model. This forms part of the Planet Framework Model, which is used to assess the impacts of HS2.

The breakdown of in-vehicle time for passengers travelling to Bond Street via HS2 to Euston is as follows: 6 minutes between Old Oak Common and Euston on HS2 and 6.6 minutes on the London Underground. It is not possible to further break down the walk time in the journey without commissioning further work.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
11th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how many passengers they expect to use the new station at Old Oak Common travelling between Reading and Birmingham using HS2.

Old Oak Common is expected to become one of the busiest stations in the country, with HS2 Ltd forecasts showing it will serve up to 250,000 passengers each day, and provide journey opportunities from the Southwest to Birmingham, Heathrow, the North and North West. Demand for specific routes will be based on the finalised service pattern, but we want to give passengers as much choice as possible to complete their journeys.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
11th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how many trains per hour will be affected, diverted or cancelled between Reading and London Paddington as a result of the construction of the new HS2 station at Old Oak Common; how these figures compare to the current number of trains per hour from (1) the South West, (2) South Wales, (3) Bristol, and (4) Bath; and for how long are any disruptions expected.

Construction of Old Oak Common Station temporarily blocks access to London Paddington during planned blockades including between 27 and 29 December 2024. Plans are in place to enable passengers to continue their journey by rail as far as possible. On other occasions, 2 out of 4 lines will be closed for engineering work, reducing the number of services able to operate. The future construction programme for Old Oak Common Station is currently under review.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
11th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how many platforms are being built at the new HS2 station at Old Oak Common for Great Western trains.

At Old Oak Common, there will be 8 platforms constructed for use by Great Western trains, the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express and an additional 6 platforms for high-speed services.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
14th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how many passenger trains were cancelled due to the failure of staff to work on rest days for each of the last four weekends for which data are available, broken down by train operating company.

Train cancellations including those caused by a lack of available train crew are recorded by Network Rail and published by the Office of Rail and Road. However, the reason for the crew’s absence is not recorded. The Department works closely with its operators to secure improvements where they are not meeting expectations but does not routinely record cancellation data by day and cause.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
9th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the finding by PA News Agency that 27,837 British drivers were convicted of drink-driving multiple times in the 11 years to 20 July; and what steps they are taking to address drink-driving.

This Government takes road safety very seriously and reducing those killed and injured on our roads is a key priority. That is why we have announced our intention to publish a new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade. We will set out next steps on this in due course.


There is strict enforcement and tough penalties are in place for those who choose to put lives at risk by drink driving, with repeat offenders placed on a High-Risk Offender (HRO) scheme. If you are a HRO, you will not get your new licence after a driving ban until you can prove you are fit to drive again. You will need to pass a medical examination with one of DVLA’s appointed doctors.


The Department for Transport’s THINK! campaign aims to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads in England and Wales by changing attitudes and behaviours among those at highest risk. This includes regular THINK! campaigns to tackle drink driving, primarily targeting male drivers aged 17-24 who are overrepresented in drink-drive casualties.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
7th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reason for the failure of the Class 802 trains at Dawlish during a sea storm on 29 September.

Great Western Railway and Hitachi as manufacturer and maintainer of the Class 802 fleet, are working together to understand the reasons behind the loss of traction on two services on the sea wall at Dawlish, and to minimise incidents like this in future.

Bi-directional signalling installed at Dawlish enables trains to operate on the landward track in both directions which can provide some protection for rolling stock from storms.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
7th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, following cancellation of parts of HS2 in October 2023, which remaining HS2 investments they plan to re-designate for short-term rail projects over the next 10 years.

This government is currently reviewing the position it has inherited on rail infrastructure, and will consider how we address capacity needs whilst maintaining financial discipline. We will set out our plans in due course.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the effect of the planned reductions in the percentage discounts for student, senior, services and other railcards on numbers of rail passengers; and (2) the effect of the ensuing increase in fares on the overall cost of passenger railway to the Government.

The cost of railcards has not increased in ten years. This minor revision applies railcard discounts in line with the advertised ‘1/3 off’. We expect it to have a minimal impact on passengers and the cost of the railway to government, given it is not anticipated to have a material impact on revenues or demand.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to require all new passenger trains to be built with step-free access through at least one set of doors per carriage.

The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone has the same access to the rail network regardless of their needs. When procuring new trains operators are expected to minimise the height of the train door relative to the standard platform height to improve access and minimise risks for all passengers.

Under current accessibility requirements contained within the Persons with Reduced Mobility National Technical Specification Notice, operators are required to provide boarding ramps to provide step-free access to passengers boarding or alighting from trains.

Step-free access is also possible with existing rolling stock at stations which have been modified with raised platforms or built to enable level boarding.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government which types of passenger train operating on which routes allow wheelchair users to board and alight without assistance.

There are a number of classes of rolling stock currently in use, or being introduced into service, that feature lower floors and retractable steps to fill gaps between the train and the platform.

The units are Class 745 and Class 755 operating on routes with Greater Anglia, Class 231 and Class 756 operating on routes with Transport for Wales, and Class 777 on routes with Merseyrail.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what funding they are making available for the development of Northern Powerhouse Rail between now and April 2025; and how many staff are currently engaged on this project.

The Northern Powerhouse Rail accounting officer assessment summary published on 30 July set out that £54m has been budgeted for development work on the scheme in 2024/25. Expenditure of a further £34m is anticipated on the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill, excluding purchase costs for land and property.

There are around 40 full-time equivalent officials in the Department for Transport working on Northern Powerhouse Rail. This is reflective of the current stage of development and proposals. The Department for Transport is supported in its development of Northern Powerhouse Rail by Network Rail, HS2 Ltd and Transport for the North.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
26th Jul 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to recent reports of further degradation of the structure of the SS Richard Montgomery, what precautions are planned to make safe the explosives in the ship.

There is no indication that the further degradation of the structure of the SS Richard Montgomery, which is to be expected given the vessel’s age and location, has increased the risk associated with the wreck.

Following expert advice, work continues to reduce the height of the wreck’s three masts.

We will continue to monitor the site and undertake detailed surveys to assess the wreck’s condition which will inform future management strategies.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
4th Nov 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Duchy of Cornwall is liable to inheritance tax.

The Duchy of Cornwall is not liable to pay inheritance tax as it is a Crown body subject to Crown exemption.

The Prince of Wales receives the annual income generated by the Duchy of Cornwall, but is not entitled to the capital of the Duchy. While the Crown exemption applies to income received from the Duchy, the Prince of Wales pays tax voluntarily on his income received from the Duchy of Cornwall to the extent that is not used to meet official expenditure. The Prince of Wales is otherwise subject to taxation in the normal way. These arrangements are set out in The Memorandum of Understanding on Royal Taxation, which is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/memorandum-of-understanding-on-royal-taxation-2023

Lord Livermore
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Livermore on 29 October (HL1753), whether they will place a copy of the accounts of the Duchy of Cornwall and the Duchy of Lancaster for the last 10 years in the Library of the House.

As required by the Duchy of Lancaster and Cornwall Accounts Act 1838, the Annual Accounts of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duchy of Cornwall are laid before Parliament every year. Copies are accessible through the Vote Office and Printed Paper Office. Copies of the accounts for recent years from both Duchies are also available on their respective websites.

Lord Livermore
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
18th Oct 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have received, in each of the past 10 years, accounts for the Duchy of Cornwall and the Duchy of Lancaster, as required under the Duchy of Lancaster and Cornwall Accounts Act 1838.

All the requirements contained in the Duchy of Lancaster and Cornwall Accounts Act 1838 have been met in each of the past ten years, with one exception. The exception was the Duchy of Cornwall Accounts for 2023-24, which could not be presented to Parliament by the 30 June 2024 deadline, due to Parliament having been dissolved ahead of the 2024 General Election. Those accounts were instead presented to the new Parliament on 23 July 2024.

Lord Livermore
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)