Debates between Lord McLoughlin and Alistair Burt during the 2010-2015 Parliament

Mon 5th Jan 2015

Rail Network (Disruption)

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Alistair Burt
Monday 5th January 2015

(9 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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As I said earlier, the simple fact is that Network Rail is challenged at the moment with the biggest investment in the railways since the Victorian era. Indeed, in the hon. Gentleman’s own constituency a brand-new station is being built by Network Rail. Perhaps he wants it cancelled; I will take that as a representation.

Alistair Burt Portrait Alistair Burt (North East Bedfordshire) (Con)
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My constituents coming from Biggleswade, Sandy and Arlesey into King’s Cross were of course inconvenienced and annoyed by what happened, but they are sensible enough to appreciate that the improvements being done were for their benefit and for the benefit of the line, as they have seen over the past few years. May they also add their sensible voices to those expressing concern about any possible sanction impacting on investment in further improvements rather than on those who made the decisions in the first place?

Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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I agree with my right hon. Friend. It is vital that we do nothing to put back the very ambitious programme for improvements to our railways that will, in the long term, benefit all our constituents.