Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ruth George and Grant Shapps

Thursday 24th October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Grant Shapps]

My hon. Friend the rail Minister has informed me that he has met many of the hon. Gentleman’s colleagues and will be happy to meet him as well, as will I.

[Ruth George (High Peak) (Lab)]

20. I am pleased to hear that the Secretary of State is keen to reopen railway lines, but a short section of dual track is needed between Manchester and Sheffield, two of the least connected cities in the north. That has now been put on hold again, and my constituents are very disappointed. They have written to the Secretary of State, but have yet to receive a reply.

[Grant Shapps]

I think that the hon. Lady may be referring to the Hope Valley line. I should be very happy to speak to her about it in more detail and look forward to our meeting up.

Thomas Cook

Debate between Ruth George and Grant Shapps

Wednesday 25th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Grant Shapps]

Again, I am very happy to look into any individual circumstances that the hon. Gentleman might write to me about.

[Ruth George (High Peak) (Lab)]

There are many young, vulnerable travel reps stuck abroad. The Secretary of State’s statement that he is talking to the CAA about their position does not offer them much reassurance when they will have no right to continue working in the EU after 31 October. What will he do to make sure that he can give them the assurances they need that their costs of coming home will be paid?

[Grant Shapps]

It is important not to worry unnecessarily worry people who are already in a very distressing situation. This will be done well before 31 October, given that we are not even into October yet and this operation is going to run for another 12 days, plus time to bring people home. The two issues are not connected. I absolutely want to reassure anyone working for Thomas Cook, “We absolutely are with you.”