Lower Thames Crossing

Daniel Francis Excerpts
Tuesday 29th October 2024

(3 weeks, 2 days ago)

Westminster Hall
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts

Westminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.

Each debate is chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, rather than the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. A Government Minister will give the final speech, and no votes may be called on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Lilian Greenwood Portrait Lilian Greenwood
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I certainly agree that we have to get this right, and that is the purpose of the process, which I know is a frustratingly long one.

Daniel Francis Portrait Daniel Francis (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

Does the Minister agree that we also need to look out for businesses in my constituency of Bexleyheath and Crayford? Currently, when there is congestion, they end up travelling 28 miles—instead of six miles—to the Blackwall tunnel and back again, and a 10-minute journey ends up taking them an hour. We therefore need to look at options for river crossings through both south London and Kent as we move forward.

Lilian Greenwood Portrait Lilian Greenwood
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My hon. Friend has very effectively put the views of his constituents on the record.

Finally, I hope my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford is reassured that my Department fully appreciates the importance of the proposal to his constituency and that it is being thoroughly considered. I thank him for securing an opportunity to discuss the issue and all hon. Members who have participated in today’s debate.

Question put and agreed to.