Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Martin Wrigley and Louise Haigh

Thursday 21st November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Louise Haigh]

I sincerely apologise to the right hon. Lady and will make sure she receives that letter today.

[Martin Wrigley (Newton Abbot) (LD)]

T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Louise Haigh)]

Moving fast and fixing things is a promise not a soundbite. Yesterday the landmark Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill completed its passage through this place and now awaits Royal Assent. This is a significant milestone, bringing the railways back into public hands, restoring trust after years of lack of trust and renewing a promise to passengers that the railways can work better for them. At the same time, we are tackling rail performance now. London North Eastern Railway and TransPennine Express cancellations are down. I have tasked the Office of Rail and Road with reviewing ticket enforcements.

On roads, this Government’s £500 million boost for local highways next year will support local leaders to fix up to 1 million more potholes per year, delivering on our manifesto pledge. On top of this, we are delivering transformative investment in infrastructure that connects our great cities and towns. This Government are delivering transport enhancements that drive growth, improve lives and connect every corner of the country.

[Martin Wrigley]

The storm in 2014 broke the Dawlish sea wall, collapsed cliffs and blocked the south-west main line for months. Will the Secretary of State assure us that the crucial rail resilience programme final phase will be funded so that Network Rail keeps the project alive, rather than halting it in its tracks?

[Louise Haigh]

As we look to settling Network Rail’s control period 7, of course that will be a major consideration in the next funding settlement.