Rail Connections to London: Rural Towns

Debate between Amanda Hack and John Whitby

Monday 23rd March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Amanda Hack]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is really problematic if nobody is able to get to these hubs.

[John Whitby (Derbyshire Dales) (Lab)]

Towns across Derbyshire Dales such as Bakewell lack any connection to the rail network, leaving the 13 million people who travel to the Peak district mainly reliant on cars. Reinstating the peaks and dales line would be more environmentally friendly, help young people to get to work and education, and make it easier for millions of tourists to travel to the national park by creating a direct link to Manchester, Derby and then onward to London. Given those major benefits, will my hon. Friend join me in urging the Minister to look closely at the forthcoming feasibility study on the reinstatement of the peaks and dales line?