Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) the re-opening of so-called Beeching lines is implemented equitably throughout the regions according to need and (b) local authorities are (i) fully engaged with and (ii) consulted on that programme.
I have invited my fellow MPs to work with local authorities and community groups to come forward with proposals for re-opening rail passenger services axed in the 1960s and 1970s. The support and engagement of the local authorities will be an important consideration in deciding which ideas to fund. I am expecting ideas to be put forward from across our regions and we will take forward the best of these for development.