Business of the House

Mark Sewards Excerpts

Thursday 27th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

The last question goes to the ever-present and most patient Mark Sewards.

[Mark Sewards (Leeds South West and Morley) (Lab)]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

We know that mass transit systems have enormous benefits for local economies. In Nottingham, a tram line was able to generate £100 million in investment for local businesses. That is why I am so pleased that the Government have indicated their support for a mass transit system in West Yorkshire and in Leeds, because we have been waiting far too long for one. Will the Leader of the House grant a debate in Government time on the urgent need to get that mass transit system built so that we can have investment in our businesses and benefit from economic growth across our region?

[Lucy Powell]

Absolutely. As an MP for and resident of Manchester, I know how vital mass transit schemes are for growth, for providing job opportunities and for boosting tourism—everything that Leeds deserves to have. I am really pleased that the Chancellor has indicated her support for that. We have set aside some funding, and we are working with the West Yorkshire combined authority to make sure that those plans become a reality.