Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Clive Jones and Heidi Alexander

Thursday 20th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[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.

[Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)]

T5. Hundreds of residents scramble to Twyford train station in my constituency every morning to get to work either in London or in other nearby towns. The village has become overwhelmed, with many struggling to find somewhere to park. Will the Minister meet me to update me on plans for improving local travel links to help residents to access new services such as the Elizabeth line, and even a rail link to Heathrow?

[Heidi Alexander]

I would be happy to ask the Rail Minister to meet the hon. Gentleman to talk about the particular issues around the station that he mentions and to understand what more we could do to properly integrate transport options in that area.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Clive Jones and Heidi Alexander

Thursday 9th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Heidi Alexander]

I have been clear that local transport authorities should use the money in a way that provides excellent value for money for the taxpayer, and the situation that the hon. Member described does concern me. We have waited a long time for this level of investment to come forward, and I am keen to see local authorities such as his cracking on with the job and making sure that motorists—all road users, for that matter—have safe, smooth roads that they can travel on.

[Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)]

The roads in Wokingham, like everywhere else in the country, have deteriorated in the last few years. We need to stop potholes, not just fix them, and that means regularly resurfacing roads. The unfunded backlog of resurfacing left by the Conservatives in Wokingham is about £16 million and getting bigger; nationally, it is £14 billion. When will the Minister’s Department deliver proper funding for Wokingham’s roads?