Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Josh Babarinde Excerpts
Thursday 26th June 2025

(1 day, 17 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lilian Greenwood Portrait Lilian Greenwood
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I appreciate how frustrating the situation is for my hon. Friend and his constituents. My officials are continuing to discuss details of the business case for the scheme with East Sussex county council, and I would of course be happy to meet him to discuss that further.

Josh Babarinde Portrait Josh Babarinde (Eastbourne) (LD)
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The Rapid Transition Alliance tells us that we can improve the quality of our roads if we support more people to use rail as a form of public transport. That is one reason why I am campaigning to restore the direct train between Eastbourne and London Bridge that was discontinued during the pandemic. Will the Minister back my campaign, with a view to helping to improve our roads and improve economic growth for Eastbourne too?

Lilian Greenwood Portrait Lilian Greenwood
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That was a creative way of asking about railways in a question about roads. This Government are committed to improving all forms of transport, so that people have a real choice about the best mode to use for their journey. We are keen for people to have the choice of sustainable transport modes, including rail, walking and cycling, as well as driving and travelling on buses. As the hon. Member will see, the Government are investing huge amounts to support our rail industry, just as we are doing to support the state of our roads.