Investing in Britain’s Future

Chi Onwurah Excerpts

Thursday 27th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Danny Alexander]

It is clear that the hon. Lady’s campaigning is a model of parliamentary effectiveness and I urge her to continue with it to the further benefit of her constituents.

[Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab)]

In response to my right hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne East (Mr Brown), the Chief Secretary spoke of his “commitment to the A1”. What he actually said in his statement was:

“Any hon. Member planning a trip to Scotland…will want to see a better A1 north of Newcastle.”

Is that really his idea of a commitment? If he can say nothing more credible—I hope that he can—is it any wonder that he inspires so little confidence in the country?

[Danny Alexander]

I am sorry to hear such a curmudgeonly response to what I thought was a very positive announcement. [Interruption.] The point that I was making in my statement was that there are a number of long-standing issues on our highways network that have never been addressed. We have set aside the funding and will bring forward the plans to ensure that the improvements to that route take place between now and 2020.