Thursday 5th September 2019

(5 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Grant Shapps Portrait Grant Shapps
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That is one of the things that Douglas Oakervee is looking at. Interestingly, Allan Cook’s report, which is in the Library, suggests doing phases 1 and 2a together.

Craig Whittaker Portrait Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) (Con)
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I agree with my right hon. Friend that spiralling costs must be challenged and held to account, but this project is vital for the northern routes, which are already overstretched. Will he assure me that this review is not just a smokescreen to cancel the project, which many of our current Executive do not like?

Grant Shapps Portrait Grant Shapps
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My hon. Friend’s question reminds me of a clip that I made on the day of announcing this full, thorough and open review. When the camera was switched off they said, “What do you really think?” What I really think is that we should have a full, thorough and open review.