Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Smith Excerpts

Thursday 20th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Heidi Alexander]

My hon. Friend is completely right. The previous Government lost control of HS2—there is no doubt about it. This Government commissioned the James Stewart review, which made a number of important recommendations to improve project delivery. Those lessons are informing a fundamental review of HS2 that will provide certainty to communities about how long disruption will last. The Stewart review will also support improved practice on future infrastructure projects, including the midlands rail hub.

[Sir Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

2. What discussions she has had with North Yorkshire council on the progress of the development of the A59 Kex Gill bypass.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)]

The A59 Kex Gill bypass scheme has been subject to delays and increased costs because of design changes, poor ground conditions and further landslips on the A59. The scheme is overseen by the Conservative-run North Yorkshire council, which provides regular reports to the Department on its progress.

[Sir Julian Smith]

This link is vital for east-west transport. I urge Ministers to talk more frequently with the council, because the cost overruns are now becoming quite a challenge for it, and it is vital that we get the project completed.

[Simon Lightwood]

Under the major road network programme, once the Department has approved a scheme and agreed its funding contribution, covering any cost increases is entirely a matter for local authorities. The Department has provided over £56 million towards A59 Kex Gill, and no further funding is available, but of course I would be happy for my Department to provide advice to the Conservative-run council on how to deliver the scheme with the funding provided.