All 1 Debates between Daniel Kawczynski and Lord Grayling

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Daniel Kawczynski and Lord Grayling
Thursday 12th January 2017

(7 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Daniel Kawczynski Portrait Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con)
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10. What his plans are for the next rail franchise for Wales and Borders; and if he will make a statement.

Lord Grayling Portrait The Secretary of State for Transport (Chris Grayling)
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It has been agreed in principle that Welsh Government Ministers will procure and manage the next Wales and Borders rail franchise. My Department is working closely with the Welsh Government to ensure the appropriate transfer of the necessary powers. However, I want to make it absolutely clear that, as part of those arrangements, we are ensuring that the train services and stations used by passengers in England are protected and, importantly, treated consistently with those in Wales, both during this procurement process and across the whole life of the franchise.

Daniel Kawczynski Portrait Daniel Kawczynski
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That is a very welcome answer from the Secretary of State. We have briefed him about the extraordinary overcrowding on Arriva trains over the past few years, particularly in the summer months—with the windows sealed and a lot of people cramming into the carriages, it has been intolerable. Will he ensure that the next franchise accommodates the levels required for passengers to travel safely and more services from Shrewsbury to Birmingham airport?

Lord Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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I am aware of the capacity issues on the Wales and the Borders franchise and, indeed, on the CrossCountry franchise. One of the challenges, owing to the rapid growth in recent years, is that there are not enough diesel trains to go around at the moment. I had the great pleasure of being at Newton Aycliffe in County Durham for the launch of the first new hybrid train to be manufactured there. That will open up the opportunity for us to deliver significant change to rolling stock across our network, and will enable us to address many of the overcrowding challenges to which my hon. Friend refers.