Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lorraine Beavers and Lilian Greenwood

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[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.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lorraine Beavers and Lilian Greenwood

Thursday 20th November 2025 Commons Chamber

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

15. What steps she is taking to improve rail connectivity.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)]

We are committed to providing a rail network that delivers reliable connections for people and unlocks growth across the country. In addition to building High Speed 2, we are providing £10.2 billion over the spending review period to enhance the railway, reducing congestion and travel times, and connecting more people to work, education, retail and services.

[Lorraine Beavers]

The cul-de-sac of Thornton and Fleetwood in my constituency once had a rail line that served the local community well. Now, there is only one main route in and out by road. It is acknowledged that lack of connectivity is a determinant of health, wealth and educational inequality. Will the Minister meet me to talk about reinstating the Fleetwood to Poulton railway link to open up opportunities for the people in my community?

[Lilian Greenwood]

My hon. Friend is a great champion for her community. The Rail Minister has said that he will be happy to meet her to discuss the benefits and challenges of that project. She will know that we have had to prioritise funding during this spending review, and I am afraid that currently none is allocated to this project, but it is for Lancashire combined county authority to consider developing the proposal further. I am sure the Rail Minister will be happy to talk to her about that.