Oral Answers to Questions

Catherine Fookes Excerpts

Thursday 21st November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Connor Naismith (Crewe and Nantwich) (Lab)]

16. What steps she is taking to improve transport infrastructure.

[Catherine Fookes (Monmouthshire) (Lab)]

21. What steps she is taking to improve transport infrastructure.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Louise Haigh)]

We have heard over the last 14 years that the infrastructure sector and wider supply chain needs stability and certainty—no more chopping and changing—and last month’s Budget committed this Government to that approach, ensuring that people have access to transport services and infrastructure that meets their needs. The Department’s capital settlement secures the delivery and development of infrastructure projects, including upgrades to rail in the north, further electrification of services between Church Fenton and York by 2026, and significant major road upgrades across the north of England.

--- Later in debate ---

[Catherine Fookes]

I welcome the Government’s recommitment to improving public transport and rail infrastructure across Britain. In Monmouthshire, we are eagerly awaiting the innovative Magor walkway station, which will reduce M4 congestion, improve public transport and, most importantly, help us in our mission to bring economic growth and boost the economy locally. Will the Secretary of State commit to working with me and Welsh Ministers to deliver the five Burns stations, including the Magor walkway, and will she meet me to discuss progress?

[Louise Haigh]

I am familiar with Lord Burns’s recommendations for new stations in south Wales to relieve congestion on the M4 motorway, and I am in discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and Welsh Ministers on these proposals. I would be more than happy to discuss progress with my hon. Friend.