Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Heidi Alexander and Edward Leigh

Thursday 12th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Edward Leigh]

We were very encouraged. There is nothing party political about this; it is all about economic growth in an area that really needs it. I beg the Secretary of State; she just has to lift her finger and get our train. We have had a test run; it can happen now. Will she please do it?

[Heidi Alexander]

I wondered what the Father of the House was going to ask me. I remember him asking me a couple of months ago to name a train after Margaret Thatcher. I gave him a pretty definitive response to that. On the subject of the station in his constituency and the through-service from it, I will be sure to speak to the Rail Minister for an update on his latest conversations with the right hon. Gentleman and the hon. Member for Brigg and Immingham (Martin Vickers). I will be happy to write to the right hon. Gentleman with an update.

Road and Rail Projects

Debate between Heidi Alexander and Edward Leigh

Tuesday 8th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Heidi Alexander]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. We will set out the timetable for the delivery of these schemes as we produce the next road investment strategy—RIS3—which we will have done by the end of March next year.

[Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con)]

For 30 long and weary years, my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Immingham (Martin Vickers) and I have campaigned for a through-train from Grimsby, which would stop at Market Rasen and end up in London. We have been made numerous promises by Network Rail, which is now saying that the platform is too short, that a bridge needs to be built, and that it will cost £25 million—the usual negativity. The Secretary of State is a feisty Minister. I promise her that if she gets us our train, I will campaign for it to be renamed the “Heidi Alexander, Heroine of Lincolnshire”.

[Heidi Alexander]

I feel that I am making progress, because the last time the right hon. Gentleman asked me a question, I believe he suggested that I name a train after Margaret Thatcher. I politely declined. He will get everywhere with flattery. Of course, the digital signalling on the east coast main line will have a positive impact on services, but I am afraid I cannot make a commitment on the particular service that he wants at this time.

Disruption at Heathrow

Debate between Heidi Alexander and Edward Leigh

Monday 24th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con)]

Following that last question, can the Secretary of State give us an absolute assurance that nothing in our drive towards green energy and net zero will ever affect the sustainability and safety of our vital transport systems?

[Heidi Alexander]

I can give the right hon. Gentleman that assurance. I am aware that some other Members of this House—not present in the Chamber today—were busy peddling some myths on Friday morning about this issue. It is clear to me that Heathrow’s back-up power supplies consist of both diesel and electricity generators. No matter what some other Members might be saying, those systems did work. I can give the right hon. Gentleman the assurance that he seeks.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Heidi Alexander and Edward Leigh

Thursday 13th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)]

It is our ambition through public ownership to deliver a more affordable railway. This year’s fare increase of 4.6% is the lowest absolute increase in three years. We are committed to reforming the overcomplicated fares system and expanding ticketing innovations like pay-as-you-go in urban areas across the country.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

When the Secretary of State finally steps in and knocks heads together and we get our Azuma train to Grimsby via Market Rasen, will she instruct the railway company to name the locomotive Margaret Thatcher to remind us all that the best way to reduce the cost of rail services is to end restrictive trade union practices?

[Heidi Alexander]

I hate to disappoint the Father of the House, but I am afraid that I will not be making such a commitment today.