Oral Answers to Questions

Natasha Irons Excerpts

Thursday 11th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

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

[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.

--- Later in debate ---

[Heidi Alexander]

Following the sobering recommendations of Baroness Louise Casey in her review on child sexual exploitation, this Government are more committed than ever to tackling this issue. We have committed to legislating to address inconsistency in driver licensing, and we are considering all options, including on out-of-area working, national standards and better enforcement, to ensure the best overall outcomes for passenger safety.

[Natasha Irons]

I am a member of a parliamentary group on the Gatwick diamond growth area, and it is clear that expanding Gatwick airport gives huge potential for economic growth across the south-east and Croydon. Plans to upgrade Norwood Junction station, in my constituency, with a lift were shelved when plans to make wider improvements to capacity on the Brighton main line were scrapped by the previous Government. What consideration has the Secretary of State given to ensuring that there is enough capacity on our railways to support the projected growth of Gatwick, and how will she ensure that stations like Norwood Junction receive the investment that they need, so that communities like mine can feel the tangible benefits of growth?

[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.