Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Stephenson Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Chris Clarkson (Heywood and Middleton) (Con)]

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

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

We are working with Network Rail, operators and stakeholders to raise performance, and we are investing billions of pounds to improve services for passengers.

[Chris Clarkson]

I thank the Minister for that answer. Does he agree with me that, in addition to national rail projects, light rail projects such as extending the Metrolink to Middleton and Heywood in my constituency form a vital part of levelling up and increasing capacity?

[Andrew Stephenson]

Under this Government, the Metrolink has been extended to reach new destinations right across Greater Manchester. The most recent extension to the Trafford centre is due to open later this month. While the development of light rail proposals is a matter for the Mayoral combined authority, we will work closely with them. I hope to see the Metrolink extended to my hon. Friend’s constituency. As the Chancellor said yesterday, we are getting investment done.

[Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD)]

16. What his policy is on the UK’s membership of the European Aviation Safety Agency after the end of the transition period.

--- Later in debate ---

[James Daly (Bury North) (Con)]

17. What steps he is taking to improve safety on the M66.

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

Highways England has a programme of works under way, north of junction 2 of the M66, to resurface and renew road markings and studs. Once completed, those works will deliver safety benefits for all road users.

[James Daly]

In 2011, lighting on the M66 between junctions 1 and 3 was decommissioned. Many of my Bury North constituents have contacted me, expressing their concerns that that has created unsafe driving conditions, especially during heavy rainfall. Will my hon. Friend agree to meet me, and a number of local residents, to discuss those concerns, and investigate what actions can be taken to address them?

[Andrew Stephenson]

I appreciate the concerns of my hon. Friend’s constituents about motorway driving without lighting. Highways England is working closely on that topic, and monitoring the safety situation on that section of the M66. Baroness Vere, the Minister responsible for roads—she is in the Gallery—will be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter further.

[David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) (Con)]

18. Whether he has made an estimate of the time it will take to review the Airports National Policy Statement. [R]