Oral Answers to Questions

Matt Vickers Excerpts

Wednesday 29th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con)]

4. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving Union connectivity.

[Matt Vickers (Stockton South) (Con)]

9. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving Union connectivity.

[John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con)]

11. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving Union connectivity.

--- Later in debate ---

[Iain Stewart]

Scotland’s love affair with Blackpool has existed for decades and is well known. The more Scots who can visit my hon. Friend’s lovely constituency, the better. We of course recognise the importance of maintaining a thriving and competitive aviation sector in the UK. I know that he is a strong campaigner for more air services to and from Blackpool, and we will continue to consider whether there are further opportunities to utilise public service obligations to meet our Union connectivity and levelling-up objectives.

[Matt Vickers]

The Union connectivity review recommended that the UK Government work with the Scottish Government on an assessment of the east coast transport corridor to include improvements to the east coast main line and the A1. Can my hon. Friend update the House on progress in bringing forward that recommendation?

[Iain Stewart]

The Government are grateful to Sir Peter Hendy for his work and we are considering his recommendations carefully. The Prime Minister has welcomed, and intends to accept, the proposal for the creation of UKNET, a strategic transport network spanning the entire United Kingdom. The funding that the UK Government have set aside for this review will put us on the right path to strengthen and maintain our transport arteries for people and businesses across the UK.