First elected: 5th May 2005
Left House: 30th March 2015 (Retired)
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
These initiatives were driven by Linda Riordan, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Linda Riordan has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Linda Riordan has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Linda Riordan has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting
The Government is clear that Pacer units will be replaced in the new Northern franchise. The details of how this will be implemented are being considered as part of the specification for the future franchise, which will be published early in the New Year. We expect that the rolling stock used for the Pacer replacement will be a matter for bidders for the future Northern franchise to address in their bids.
The Government is clear that Pacer units will be replaced in the new Northern franchise. The details of how this will be implemented are being considered as part of the specification for the future franchise, which will be published early in the New Year. We expect that the rolling stock used for the Pacer replacement will be a matter for bidders for the future Northern franchise to address in their bids.
The Department for Transport is currently considering the responses to the joint public consultation with Rail North which concluded on 18 August. An announcement about the franchise will be made shortly.
Currently no timescale exists for the electrification of the Calder Valley route through Halifax. The scheme is one of a number which are being considered by the joint Task Force of northern MPs and council leaders set up to explore future electrification in the North.
This group is expected to provide the Transport Secretary with an interim report in February 2015 setting out its recommended priorities for scheme development in future rail funding Control Periods from 2019.
This will be a matter for the train operators on the Great Western and East Coast Main Lines.
Decisions on staffing arrangements on the Great Western and East Coast Main Lines are a matter for the Train Operating Company (TOC) and Hitachi.
The two levels of catering specified by the Department for Transport were those chosen by the train operators who are closest to their customers requirements. The train operators continue to be fully engaged in the design of the train.
Rules 148–150 of The Official Highway Code advises drivers to avoid distractions. The rules make it clear that drivers must exercise proper control of their vehicle.
It has been illegal since the 1980s to view a screen whilst driving, unless that screen is displaying driving information.
Under sections 2 and 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 a person may be charged with the offences of dangerous, careless and inconsiderate driving.
My officials recently met with a major ‘infotainment’ provider who were anxious not to pose a road safety risk through the use of their systems. They are considering technical options to allow it to be used in accordance with the law.
The Home Secretary has not made any recent trips to India. Raymond Varley’s
discharge was ordered by the District Judge sitting at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The Crown Prosecution Service, which represents the Government of India in the
court proceedings, is appealing against that decision. The appeal is due to be
heard on 10 October 2014. UK Ministers have no involvement in the court proceedings
and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.