HS2 and CH2M

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Wednesday 5th April 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

I am sure that the noble Lord raises that question as he is aware of other bidders. Again, I am sure he will respect the confidentiality of the allocation and award of the DP contract, which has still to be made. As I said, I will take back the questions of the noble Lord, Lord Rosser, and ensure that other noble Lords who are interested are accorded a reply.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab)]

My Lords, is it right that the business case for HS2 was based on it being extended to Scotland? When is that going to happen?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

As the noble Lord is aware, Scotland will benefit. Indeed, the first phase and phases 2a and 2b will be of net benefit, so I can assure him that when he travels from London to Scotland he will arrive in good time; indeed, quickly.

HS2: North of England and Scotland

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Thursday 23rd February 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Watts (Lab)]

Why have the Government delayed introducing a Bill to extend the track to the north-west?

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab)]

And Scotland.

[Lord Watts]

And Scotland.

Railways: Fares

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Tuesday 31st January 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

Again, what the Government have done was made clear in the run-up to and during campaigning in the last general election: that what rail users need when it comes to fares policy is certainty. That is why we gave a commitment to have RPI plus 0%, and we are staying true to that pledge.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab)]

Has the Minister noticed that the Scottish Government are doing exactly the same as the United Kingdom Government on rail fare increases, proving yet again beyond peradventure that they are still Tartan Tories?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

The noble Lord always brings a particular viewpoint to our debates here and he has done so again. It is a matter for the Scottish National Party to determine its ideology. However, if it is being won over by the positive agenda of the Conservative Government then I welcome that.

Aviation: International Trade

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Tuesday 1st November 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

I look forward to answering those Questions from my noble friend.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab)]

Does the Minister not think that it would be wise to await the judgment of the Supreme Court before assuming that Brexit will go ahead?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

We as a Government are relying on what the people of this country decided. We promised that there would be a referendum. The British people voted and it is now our job, as a responsible Government, to respect the will of the people, as both Houses should do, and make sure that that decision is implemented.