Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Damien Moore and Huw Merriman

Thursday 8th February 2024 Commons Chamber

[Damien Moore (Southport) (Con)]

2. What steps he is taking to increase transport connectivity between towns and cities in the north-west.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Huw Merriman)]

Network North will see a further £19.8 billion- worth of investment in the north of England following the redirection of funding from High Speed 2. That is in addition to what has already been committed through the £3.5 billion to northern city regions from the first round of the city region sustainable transport settlements; the development of Northern Powerhouse Rail, which will transform rail connectivity between the north of England’s key economic centres; and £11 billion for the trans-Pennine route upgrade.

[Damien Moore]

In the light of the Government’s commitment to level up through Network North, will my hon. Friend commit to a meeting with me and other key stakeholders to discuss reinstating the Burscough curves rail link, which would connect Southport to Preston and the wider north of England, fulfilling our economic potential and helping us welcome another million visitors a year to Southport?