Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Emma Lewell Excerpts
Thursday 26th March 2026

(1 day, 8 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Heidi Alexander Portrait Heidi Alexander
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The hon. Gentleman is right to reflect on the fact that a reliable and frequent train service is important to economic growth. I would be happy to speak about the detail of those particular changes with the Rail Minister and come back to him, including on whether there are any potential mitigations we could bring in.

Emma Lewell Portrait Emma Lewell (South Shields) (Lab)
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Heugh Street bridge in South Shields was closed over four months ago by the council, as it deemed it to be unsafe. It was used by over 5,000 vehicles per day and the closure is damaging my local economy. The council is currently unable to give any timescale for reopening the bridge and I am led to believe there is no funding for it to do so anyway. Can my hon. Friend the Minister please assist us in any way at all?

Simon Lightwood Portrait Simon Lightwood
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I thank my hon. Friend for her question. This sounds like a scheme that could benefit from the structures fund.