Oral Answers to Questions

Nicola Richards Excerpts

Thursday 17th September 2020 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Nicola Richards (West Bromwich East) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to expedite the delivery of transport infrastructure projects.

[Mark Jenkinson (Workington) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to expedite the delivery of transport infrastructure projects.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Grant Shapps)]

My Department is looking to deliver infrastructure projects better, greener and faster through initiatives including the Acceleration Unit and Project Speed.

[Nicola Richards]

Given the impact that coronavirus has had on communities such as mine in West Bromwich East, will my right hon. Friend throw his support behind West Midlands Mayor Andy Street’s unprecedented investment plans in our transport infrastructure, like the midland metro, helping to bring it to places such as Great Barr in my constituency, so that all communities can feel the benefits of levelling up?

[Grant Shapps]

Yes, indeed. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her campaigning on this issue and, of course, to the West Midlands Mayor’s relentless campaigning. I have been to see the proposed extensions. They are very impressive, and the Government will absolutely back any processes that will help to level up communities.