Oral Answers to Questions

Lorraine Beavers Excerpts

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Heidi Alexander]

I have visited Stanmore station, and I understand the difficulties that are presented to the hon. Gentleman’s constituents. We are investing in the Access for All scheme nationally and, as he has indicated, Transport for London is investing in his constituency too. We are ambitious in this space, because the railway should be there for everyone. It should be an inclusive service that we offer to the entire country.

[Lorraine Beavers (Blackpool North and Fleetwood) (Lab)]

T6. I recently met the Rail Minister, who agreed with me that the reintroduction of the Fleetwood to Poulton rail line would be transformative for the many people in my constituency, but it cannot happen without the support of Lancashire county council. Will the Secretary of State join me in calling for the Reform-led council to put the reopening of the rail line at the top of its transport plans, so that we can finally see this happen?

[Lilian Greenwood]

My hon. Friend remains a great champion for this project. The Government are delivering on devolution. We are providing the Lancashire combined county authority with £641 million in this spending review. The decision about whether to progress this scheme as a local priority is one for the authority. I encourage my hon. Friend to continue engaging with it with the same enthusiasm with which she engages with our Department.