Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Heaton-Harris and Andrew Griffith

Monday 18th May 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Well, you have made your husband very happy.

[Andrew Griffith (Arundel and South Downs) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to help improve rail services in West Sussex.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Chris Heaton-Harris)]

I am sorry, Mr Speaker—I was worried about my husband for a moment there. Problem or opportunity, whichever way you take it.

The Government are investing around £48 billion in maintaining and upgrading the rail network between 2019 to 2024, focused on increasing reliability and punctuality for passengers, including in West Sussex.

[Andrew Griffith]

I thank my hon. Friend for his reply and for the significant extra investment that the Government are making in rail transport. As we seek to regrow the economy, may I ask him to consider the investment project known as the Arundel chord, which would enable trains to turn east near Arundel and travel directly to Horsham, significantly improving the resilience of rail services for my constituents in Arundel and South Downs?

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

Network Rail has recently concluded a study of services in the West Sussex area, produced in consultation with local authorities and stakeholders. While the Arundel chord might have value as a diversionary route, its capacity would be limited and it would cause a negative impact on existing Arun Valley and West Coastway services. However, the study has suggested numerous beneficial changes involving train services and infrastructure, which my Department will take forward with Network Rail and which will benefit all my hon. Friend’s constituents.