Oral Answers to Questions

Henry Tufnell Excerpts

Thursday 11th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Natasha Irons (Croydon East) (Lab)]

4. What steps she is taking to ensure that the transport system supports economic growth.

[Henry Tufnell (Mid and South Pembrokeshire) (Lab)]

7. What steps she is taking to ensure that the transport system supports economic growth.

[Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) (Lab)]

15. What steps she is taking to ensure that the transport system supports economic growth.

--- Later in debate ---

[Heidi Alexander]

I was pleased to meet my hon. Friend in the summer to discuss this issue, and she is right to say that the previous Government cancelled plans to upgrade the Brighton main line. I can assure her that my officials are in regular discussion with Network Rail on opportunities to improve services and ease congestion in the Croydon area. I can also report that the recently completed upgrades to the station at Gatwick airport, and to track configuration in the Gatwick area, have significantly improved performance and journey times on the Brighton main line.

[Henry Tufnell]

Pembrokeshire is a beautiful county with huge potential for growth. Improved rail connectivity and more frequent services would bring significant benefits to our local economy, including by boosting tourism and expanding employment opportunities. How is the Secretary of State working with our Welsh Labour Government to enhance rail links for rural communities like mine in Mid and South Pembrokeshire?

[Heidi Alexander]

My hon. Friend is a great champion of the communities he represents, and I can assure him that the Government are investing in Wales’s future to drive economic growth. We continue to work with the Welsh Government, through the Wales Rail Board, to ensure that the benefit of our £445 million investment in rail, announced at the spending review, is delivered right across the nation, including in Pembrokeshire.