Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mel Stride and John Lamont

Wednesday 27th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)]

5. What steps he is taking to deliver the borderlands growth deal.

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mel Stride)]

In his spring statement, the Chancellor announced the provision of up to £260 million for the borderlands growth deal, which will take the total investment to £345 million.

[John Lamont]

Extending the borders railway to Hawick, Newcastleton and on to Carlisle would bring economic prosperity and jobs to the Scottish borders and the wider borderlands area. Will the Minister join me in asking for some of that £260 million to be spent on a feasibility study?

[Mel Stride]

I can certainly confirm that the Department for Transport will be considering a feasibility study on the extension of the borders railway.