Oral Answers to Questions

Marco Longhi Excerpts

Wednesday 19th May 2021 Commons Chamber

[Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con)]

What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on connectivity and infrastructure within Wales and cross-border.

[Marco Longhi (Dudley North) (Con)]

What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on connectivity and infrastructure within Wales and cross-border.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Simon Hart)]

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State and I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues about cross-border connectivity and the Union connectivity review.

--- Later in debate ---

[Marco Longhi]

My Italian forefathers always understood the importance of sunshine, sandy beaches and full-bodied, gorgeous ice cream, but for those who live in Dudley, the nearest beach is in Wales, and access is almost mission impossible. What can my right hon. Friend do to improve the wellbeing of my constituents by improving access to these basic rights?

[Simon Hart]

Sadly, we cannot move Dudley, but what we can do is progress the Union connectivity review and strengthen the links. I know my hon. Friend’s part of the world very well. Of course, the cross-border holidaying and other activity between the west midlands and Wales is well known, and we want to improve it. That is exactly what the review is about, because we know that brings not only gratification to the residents of Dudley, but economic prosperity to both areas.