Oral Answers to Questions

Emma Lewell-Buck Excerpts

Thursday 16th December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab)]

3. What recent discussions he has had with (a) Transport for the North and (b) other stakeholders in the north of England on completing further sections of Northern Powerhouse Rail.

[Afzal Khan (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab)]

17. What recent discussions he has had with (a) Transport for the North and (b) other stakeholders in the north of England on completing further sections of Northern Powerhouse Rail.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Andrew Stephenson)]

We will build Northern Powerhouse Rail, including 40 miles of new high-speed line and electrification of the TransPennine route between Manchester and Leeds.

[Mrs Lewell-Buck]

I thank the Minister for that response, but the reality is that the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities are refusing point blank to meet Transport for the North. The Secretary of State has claimed that the Government’s rail promises to the north are going to be fulfilled, so will he now commit to meet TfN to implement the plans contained in the northern transport charter?

[Andrew Stephenson]

I am sorry, but the hon. Lady is wrong. I meet Transport for the North regularly. I am happy to meet it again.

[Mrs Lewell-Buck]

What about your gaffer?

[Andrew Stephenson]

The Secretary of State meets northern leaders regularly. The Secretary of State established the Northern Transport Acceleration Council. I am sure he will continue to meet all northern stakeholders. But the most important thing here is that we are getting on with delivering for the north, with over £17 billion being invested in Northern Powerhouse Rail.