Oral Answers to Questions

Alec Shelbrooke Excerpts

Thursday 28th January 2021 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Maclean]

I very much thank the hon. Lady for the way in which she is championing active travel in the city of York, and the Department strongly shares that ambition. For example, she will know of the electric park and ride service that has been delivered, thanks to funding from the Department. We very much look forward to continuing those conversations with her.

[Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to improve rail connections in the north of England.

[Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to improve rail connections in the north of England.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Andrew Stephenson)]

Last year, we took control of the Northern rail franchise to deliver better and more punctual services. We announced £589 million to kick-start the Trans-Pennine route upgrade, and we continue to invest in improving Leeds station. This month, we have launched a consultation to address the Manchester bottleneck, and on Saturday we announced £34 for the initial work on reopening the Northumberland line.

[Alec Shelbrooke [V]]

I welcome my hon. Friend’s commitment to rail in the north. Will he give me and my constituents an update on step-free access at Garforth station, which I have been campaigning on for many years?

[Andrew Stephenson]

My right hon. Friend has been a tireless champion for the much-needed improvements at Garforth station, to make it safer for all passengers, especially those with restricted mobility or those with pushchairs. I share his frustration at the length of time it has taken to deliver the improvements that he has secured for his constituents, and we will seek an update on timescales from Network Rail.