Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to improve regional rail connectivity in the Easington constituency through funding the expansion of the Tyne and Wear Metro into East Durham.

I am aware that Nexus have identified several possible extensions to the Tyne and Wear Metro system. It would be up to Nexus to identify which of these would be the most effective and to develop a business case and seek funding accordingly.

The Government is supporting the Tyne and Wear Metro system with £317 million for its reinvigoration and renewal programme and £229 million towards its running costs since 2010. Furthermore, in the 2017 Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced a £337m direct grant to deliver a new fleet of trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro. Through the New Stations Fund the Department is also supporting the construction of a new station at Horden Peterlee on the Durham Coast Line in the Hon. Member’s constituency.