Business of the House

Andy MacNae Excerpts

Thursday 24th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

I call Andy MacNae.

[Andy MacNae (Rossendale and Darwen) (Lab)]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. After last week, I shall heed your request for speed.

Rossendale is the only local authority area in the north without any sort of rail station or commuter link, as I may have mentioned in the House before. That cuts my constituents off from opportunity and constrains the growth of east Lancashire, despite years of hard work by the borough council—with the support of the county council and myself—on its excellent and deliverable plans for a city valley rail link. Will the Leader of the House agree to grant a debate on the delivery of that link in the context of a northern rail strategy?

[Lucy Powell]

As the MP for a nearby constituency, I know all too well how poorly served Rossendale and Rawtenstall are by transport links. I support my hon. Friend’s calls to get better transport links to his constituency. The Government are currently reviewing all that, but we are absolutely committed to supporting better northern rail links.