Oral Answers to Questions

Rachael Maskell Excerpts

Wednesday 18th May 2022 Commons Chamber

[Katherine Fletcher (South Ribble) (Con)]

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

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

7. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to improve transport connectivity between Scotland and England.

[Rob Roberts (Delyn) (Ind)]

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

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Jack]

High Speed 2 will transform rail travel in this country. It will build opportunity and boost the economy through national regeneration and the widespread creation of jobs. HS2 will go to Preston from the moment that it opens for operation. That means that facilities at Preston will be upgraded, including a new platform that will also see a direct HS2 service from Birmingham, increasing the frequency of connections to the UK’s major economic centres.

[Rachael Maskell]

Turning to the east, better connectivity strengthens the economy and strengthens opportunity—Labour’s twin ambitions for Scotland. With York having such a pivotal role on the whole network, what discussions is the Secretary of State having about investing in rail north of York to ensure that connectivity right into the heart of Scotland?

[Mr Jack]

The hon. Lady and I share exactly the same ambition: faster rail to York, which will mean faster rail to Scotland.