"It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Dr Murrison. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Falkirk (Euan Stainbank) and the hon. and learned Member for North Antrim (Jim Allister) for securing this debate, and Members on both sides of the House for their passionate …..." Simon Lightwood - View Speech
Mayor Richard Parker is delivering on local priorities and taking forward schemes that are good value for taxpayers and will deliver real improvements. Perhaps the right hon. Lady would like to explain, when she intervenes, why the previous mayor did not use the money allocated …..." Simon Lightwood - View Speech
"Mayor Andy Street failed to deliver a fully developed design for Aldridge station. When we promise to deliver something here, we will do it with a sound business case. [Interruption.] He did not have the designs, and he failed to deliver. There was £1.05 billion to deliver it, …..." Simon Lightwood - View Speech
This Government are backing Wales, the midlands and all our regions with long-term investment, local autonomy and an integrated approach across buses, rail, roads and active travel. We are building not an isolated scheme but a coherent, people-focused system that strengthens growth, opportunity and …..." Simon Lightwood - View Speech
"It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Ms Furniss. I thank the right hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton) for securing this important debate, and for her continued advocacy for her constituents in the wider west midlands.
"I have a lot to get through, and I would really like to respond to the right hon. Member’s points in due course.
Exciting progress is already visible because this Government is backing Mayor Richard Parker’s plans. Metro extensions, new rail stations, the Dudley Interchange and a new active travel …..." Simon Lightwood - View Speech
"I am going to stay consistent. Members have made a lot of points, and I would like to respond to them. I have a lot to cover.
In July 2025, the Chancellor committed to progressing to the next stage of the midlands rail hub. Once delivered, it will enable up …..." Simon Lightwood - View Speech
"My hon. Friend is right to recognise the historic levels of funding going into local areas, which are almost doubling by the end of this Parliament. We increased funding this year from £1.1 billion to £1.6 billion, which came with conditions about publishing transparency reports on their websites. The multi-year …..." Simon Lightwood - View Speech
"My hon. Friend jumps ahead of my next comment. The Department is providing all local transport authorities with a multi-year consolidated funding settlement, delivering on our commitments in the English Devolution White Paper to simplify funding. Leicestershire county council will be allocated £22.5 million in local authority bus grants over …..." Simon Lightwood - View Speech
"The Minister of State for Transport, my noble Friend Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, has made the following ministerial statement.
This Government are committed to improving the accessibility of Britain’s railways and recognise the significant social and economic benefits of doing so. As we move towards the establishment of Great …..." Simon Lightwood - View Speech