High-speed Rail

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Helen Jones

Monday 24th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab)]

Despite the reports, it remains the case that the initial preferred route for the second part of HS2 will devastate parts of Warrington, with the loss of businesses and jobs, and will possibly give us a worse service in the long run. Does not the proposal of a regional hub at Crewe give more impetus to the suggestion by Warrington borough council and others of a preferred route that would be of huge benefit to the western part of the region?

[Mr McLoughlin]

As I have said, a period of consultation is going on and I am listening to the representations. No firm decision has yet been taken. The Higgins report states what Sir David believes would be the best way forward at the moment. I will certainly consider that, but I will also consider other recommendations and representations.

High Speed Rail

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Helen Jones

Monday 28th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

When HS2 is fully up and built, it will have a major impact on the north and will help dramatically to rebalance the economy, which is so desperately needed. I am grateful for my right hon. Friend’s support.

[Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab)]

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is great concern in Warrington because it will not get an HS2 station? Warrington has developed its economy based on its good transport links, but we are unsure whether trains running on the existing line from Crewe will be sufficient. There is also concern that the line that will join the west coast main line at Wigan goes through parts of my constituency along a linear park, so we get the disruption without the benefits. Will he undertake to work with Warrington borough council and other interested parties to consider alternatives so that Warrington can benefit from HS2?

[Mr McLoughlin]

Of course, I am prepared to do that and I am sure that Warrington council will want to take part in the consultation I announced today. Warrington will be served in the same way as Liverpool and other areas, such as Wigan, but of course I will consider the hon. Lady’s representations. I want to make it clear that today is the start of the process, not the end. It is, however, the start of a very important and beneficial process for the United Kingdom.

West Coast Main Line

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Helen Jones

Monday 15th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

It certainly should not slip. I can say to my hon. Friend that the recommendations that he and a number of colleagues have made to me have been fed into the process, and will I hope be reflected in the franchise when it is finally awarded.

[Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab)]

My constituents will be horrified at the shambles that this Secretary of State has presided over. Warrington relies on its transport links to promote economic development. What action was taken by his Department on the Europa Partners report, which highlighted flaws in the franchise process five days before the announcement? Was that drawn to the attention of any Minister in the Department?

[Mr McLoughlin]

What I can say is that the flaws were found as a result of the Department preparing for a judicial review. When they were found and I saw the report and other information, I took the decisions that I announced on 3 October.