Oral Answers to Questions

John Stevenson Excerpts

Wednesday 29th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Matt Vickers (Stockton South) (Con)]

9. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving Union connectivity.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

11. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving Union connectivity.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Iain Stewart)]

I regularly discuss important issues on improving Union connectivity with ministerial colleagues. Earlier this year, for example, I co-chaired a roundtable discussion with Transport Ministers and Scottish stakeholders.

--- Later in debate ---

[John Stevenson]

Connectivity between Scotland and England matters, especially for the area that I represent in Cumbria, and south-west Scotland. Does the Minister share my concerns that the Scottish Government are not helping to deliver the investment, especially with regard to the Borders rail feasibility report and roadbuilding generally?

[Iain Stewart]

Yes. I was pleased to be able to visit my hon. Friend’s constituency and see the value of the levelling-up projects in his area as part of the growth deal in and around Carlisle station. I am keen to see the feasibility study work commence on extending the Borders rail line. I have recently met the Minister of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton), to progress that project.