Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Judith Cummins and Paul Maynard

Thursday 30th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Judith Cummins (Bradford South) (Lab)]

2. What the timetable is for Transport for the North to submit its proposals for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Paul Maynard)]

As I am sure the hon. Lady is aware, Northern Powerhouse Rail will provide faster and more frequent rail services across the region. We have committed £60 million to developing the scheme and we are working closely with Transport for the North on potential route options and their costs and benefits. That analysis is due to arrive with us by the end of 2017.

[Judith Cummins]

I am sure the Minister will be aware that Bradford has launched the “Next Stop Bradford” campaign to secure a High Speed 3 station in our city centre. Will the Minister join me in supporting a Northern Powerhouse Rail station in Bradford city centre and thereby support the huge £1.3 billion boost to the northern powerhouse economy that the new station promises?

[Paul Maynard]

I am indeed aware of Bradford’s campaign. The leader of the council has already written to me, and I was grateful for that communication. It is important to stress that Northern Powerhouse Rail is about linking not just the major cities in the north but some of the smaller towns and cities where connectivity can be significantly improved.