Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Ruth Edwards Excerpts
Thursday 3rd February 2022

(2 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Wendy Morton Portrait Wendy Morton
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As I explained earlier, we are working closely with the rail operators as they mitigate the impact of staff absences on rail services. Obviously, as restrictions are lifted and staffing pressures ease, operators will reinstate services to meet expected increases in passenger demand. I think it is fair to say that no timetable is ever static. As demand patterns continue to evolve while we recover from the pandemic, timetables must be flexible.

Ruth Edwards Portrait Ruth Edwards (Rushcliffe) (Con)
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I welcome the massive investment this Government are making in the east midlands. They are electrifying the midlands main line as we bring HS2 from Birmingham to Nottingham. However, to benefit fully, my constituents need better trains to Nottingham. Will the Minister support my campaign for more trains on the Poacher line so that my constituents in villages such as Radcliffe-on-Trent can have the regular train service they need?

Andrew Stephenson Portrait Andrew Stephenson
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My hon. Friend rightly points out the massive investment going into the east midlands. I am sure the Rail Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton), will be more than happy to meet her to discuss the specific configuration of local services.