Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Huddleston Excerpts

Thursday 10th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Louise Haigh]

I was fascinated to know how Opposition Front Benchers would approach their legacy when raising questions today. The legacy we have been left includes a maintenance backlog of billions and billions of pounds on our local roads. It is one of the biggest issues facing people across the country, and our manifesto committed us to repair and prevent up to a million potholes a year.

[Nigel Huddleston (Droitwich and Evesham) (Con)]

4. If she will meet stakeholders in the midlands to discuss plans to build the midlands rail hub.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)]

As the hon. Member will know, Network Rail is in the process of procuring design for the delivery of the western phase of the midlands rail hub scheme. While a business case is being developed for later phases, we would of course be happy to meet the hon. Member and stakeholders to discuss progress on the programme.

[Nigel Huddleston]

I very much appreciate that response. I would appreciate it as well if the Minister could give us some idea of the timing of this really important investment for the region, which will add considerably to the economic prospects of the west midlands.

[Lilian Greenwood]

I appreciate how important it is to improve rail infrastructure in the midlands. The next major decision on the first phase will be to consider the release of delivery funding in around four years’ time, but in the meantime we are expecting a business case for the subsequent phases of the programme to inform next steps, which will be ready next year.