Lower Thames Crossing: Development Consent

Debate between Lord Davies of Gower and Lord Haselhurst

Monday 29th April 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

As I have said, this is a very complex issue. It takes time. It requires years of planning, consultation and analysis: it is as simple as that. Further than that, I cannot comment.

[Lord Haselhurst (Con)]

My Lords, is my noble friend the Minister ready to concede that progress with this project is of great importance and will at least provide evidence to people in East Anglia that they are part of the levelling-up programme?

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

I recognise that this is a very important project. It will be of great advantage to many people, both north and south of the Thames.

East Coast Main Line

Debate between Lord Davies of Gower and Lord Haselhurst

Wednesday 24th January 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

The industry is currently close to finalising its response to the east coast main line major timetable change consultation that was undertaken in 2021. While it will not be possible to address every concern raised, I am confident that the industry proposal is an improvement over what was offered in consultation. The Rail Minister is in regular contact with Transport for the North, having met with the chair and chief executive in recent months.

[Lord Haselhurst (Con)]

My Lords, has the Minister been able to assess the amount of spare capacity on the rail system serving both north and east of a critical place in what we call the east of England? Does he agree that there needs to be a plan for the future—maybe one that cannot be implemented immediately but that we can set our minds on to ensure that it takes place without waiting another 10 or 20 years?

Disabled Air Passengers

Debate between Lord Davies of Gower and Lord Haselhurst

Monday 4th December 2023 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

I absolutely agree with the noble Lord and suggest that that is under way as a result of the round table of the noble Baroness, Lady Vere.

[Lord Haselhurst (Con)]

My Lords, might it not be particularly helpful to draw the airframe manufacturers into this discussion as soon as possible? They surely could set a standard that should then be led by all their customers.

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

My noble friend makes a very good point. I know that that is under way with some aircraft manufacturers, particularly in terms of toilets on board aircraft and the ability of people in wheelchairs to access those toilets.