Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Theresa Villiers and John Hayes

Thursday 19th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con)]

3. What discussions he has had with the Mayor of London on upgrading the London Underground.

[The Minister for Transport Legislation and Maritime (Mr John Hayes)]

As I said a few moments ago, Ministers and officials from my Department regularly meet the Mayor and his representatives to discuss transport in London. These meetings cover a wide range of issues, including upgrades to the London underground.

[Theresa Villiers]

The London underground upgrade was stalled for years under Labour but has made big progress under the Conservatives. So does the Minister share my regret that under the new Labour Mayor at city hall we are seeing vital upgrades shelved indefinitely?

[Mr Hayes]

My right hon. Friend is right to be disappointed; the Mayor has decided to pause the purchase of new trains for these lines, as she describes. As she knows, transport in London is a matter for the Mayor and it is for him to agree the investment programme for transport, but it is a disappointment and he must do much better.