Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Calvin Bailey and Heidi Alexander

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Heidi Alexander]

We have extended the fuel duty cut, which was due to end this month, until September, and we have launched the fuel finder tool. Together, they will save motorists £129 compared with previous plans.

[Mr Calvin Bailey (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)]

T2. As the US-Iran war pushes up petrol prices, ensuring that people can own electric vehicles is an economic and environmental necessity. To do that, it is essential that families can reach a charging point within a four-minute walk of their house, which Waltham Forest council has enabled for 86% of its residents, but the continuing barrier to ownership and the cost of charging at public stations need to be addressed. Can the Minister highlight to me—

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Calvin Bailey and Heidi Alexander

Thursday 20th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Heidi Alexander]

I fully appreciate that everyone in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency will want to see progress on this matter as soon as possible. I would point out that Gallows Corner has been in a state of disrepair for many years. In fact, under the previous Conservative Government, Transport for London received no substantive support, but this Labour Government committed more than £50 million to finally make the structure safe and reliable again in the spending review. Responsibility now sits with TfL.

[Mr Calvin Bailey (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)]

The recent approval of Virgin Trains’ application to share Leyton’s Temple Mills depot with Eurostar is welcome news for jobs and investment in my constituency and for green economic growth. What plans does the Secretary of State have to further seize the opportunities from cross-channel rail?

[Heidi Alexander]

The Office of Rail and Road’s decision with respect to unused capacity at Temple Mills was very welcome. We need to explore whether there are ways to increase depot capacity further, and my hon. Friend will be aware that there are a whole series of further steps that we need to go through before passenger services are live and running. I am really keen that we make use of the spare capacity that exists in the channel tunnel to improve and increase the number of direct international rail services that run from London.