"As we look forward to the Railways Bill, it is worth reminding the House that Rossendale remains the only local authority area in the north without any sort of commuter rail link, despite being only 15 miles from central Manchester. The line exists; it just needs reinstating as a commuter …..." Andy MacNae - View Speech
"I thank everyone who has contributed. I was pleased that so many colleagues were able to cover areas that I was not able to address in my speech. I will not deal with every aspect, but it made me reflect that when we talk about growth, we sometimes default to …..." Andy MacNae - View Speech
"Absolutely, and I know that several colleagues here have been great champions of accessibility to rail links. It is absolutely fundamental.
On the lack of connection, Rossendale remains the only local authority in the north without a direct rail link, despite thousands of residents commuting into Manchester every week—it is …..." Andy MacNae - View Speech
"My hon. Friend makes a crucial point, and I will touch on this issue. Thinking of things as a whole, not as individual, isolated projects, is crucial for the transport systems that we actually need.
Rossendale has put forward its plan. Surveys show that the public overwhelming support it, because …..." Andy MacNae - View Speech
"The hon. Lady raises a range of complex points, which the Minister will probably deal with in detail. I do not agree with her about buses, because there is plenty of local flexibility to allow that. When it comes to the Green Book, it is the misuse of the financial …..." Andy MacNae - View Speech
"Thank you, Sir Roger. There will be an extensive section on buses—pages 75 to 300—so I am sure we will cover a lot of that sort of ground. Connectivity really matters for connecting communities. Ultimately, it is about how easily and affordably we can move through the place that we …..." Andy MacNae - View Speech
"That is a real inequity within regions now, and I will cover that in my conclusion. It is a fundamental that we have to address.
We must begin with empowering people to actively travel by walking, wheeling or cycling to work or school or to see friends. True connectivity is …..." Andy MacNae - View Speech
"Absolutely—there is rural isolation, and I will be talking about a large village in my constituency in a moment. When it comes to small towns and villages, it is a spectrum. These are communities that have been left behind for far too long, and they are the ones we now …..." Andy MacNae - View Speech
The lack of buses disproportionately impacts people in small towns and villages, so it is crucial that we get this right. Fundamentally, we need to recognise that buses are a public service, not a commercial enterprise. I am pleased and proud that this Government have fully …..." Andy MacNae - View Speech
That this House has considered transport links for small towns.
It is a pleasure, Sir Roger, to serve under your firm chairship. I thank the Minister for attending today. He has been a keen advocate for small towns, and I am sure a lot of the …..." Andy MacNae - View Speech