Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and Mary Robinson

Thursday 24th June 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mary Robinson (Cheadle) (Con)]

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

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

Building on the £29 billion invested in northern transport since 2010, this Government are delivering improved connectivity to level up the north.

--- Later in debate ---

[Andrew Stephenson]

The Government remain absolutely committed to Northern Powerhouse Rail and, as ever, my hon. Friend makes a powerful case for Warrington. As he knows, decisions on the routes for NPR and consideration of the Golborne spur are matters for the integrated rail plan, so he will have to be patient just a little bit longer, but I can assure him that his representations have been heard.

[Mary Robinson [V]]

Connectivity is key to levelling up northern communities, so I welcome the Government’s commitment to reversing Beeching cuts and restoring rail connections to towns across the region, including through the towns funding for a new railway station in Cheadle town centre. Delivering that connectivity is about timetabling and joined-up services, as well as the rail infrastructure itself. What is the Minister doing to work with Transport for Greater Manchester and other stakeholders to ensure that an integrated service is delivered and provides the regular connections that Cheadle and other communities in the region need?

[Andrew Stephenson]

Through the Manchester recovery taskforce, of which Transport for Greater Manchester is a member, we are working with organisations across the rail industry to develop the service and infrastructure options that will address the congestion and reliability issues across Greater Manchester and, I hope, improve the experience of all rail passengers across the region.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and Mary Robinson

Thursday 11th March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mary Robinson (Cheadle) (Con)]

Following Cheadle’s successful town’s fund bid, I am pulling together an industry working group to collaborate on the delivery of our new £8 million train station proposal. I look forward to working with representatives from Stockport Council, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Network Rail, and Transport for Greater Manchester to restore connectivity, and put Cheadle on the public transport map. Will the Minister agree to meet me to explore opportunities for support from his Department, and help drive that exciting transport project forward?

[Andrew Stephenson]

The Department is considering my hon. Friend’s ideas fund bid for the East Didsbury to Stockport Metrolink line. We are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of the assessment process, and I am sure my hon. Friend the rail Minister would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend.