Oral Answers to Questions

Oliver Ryan Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Haigh]

The hon. Lady raises an incredibly important point about the Epstein files and everything that they revealed. She is right to highlight the importance, always, of challenging power and standing on behalf of vulnerable victims.

[Oliver Ryan (Burnley) (Lab/Co-op)]

Q3.   Manchester, Leeds, York, Bradford: you can get everywhere direct from Burnley Manchester Road station. You can get to London and even to beautiful sunny Chorley—if you go via Preston. The station is our gateway to the world and it is the world’s gateway to us. However, in 2026, the station is still not accessible, despite promises from the last Tory Government, who said that they would do something about “the ramp”, as it has become known. The First Secretary has visited the station with me, so will she back my long-fought campaign with Burnley council for a lift bridge connecting the platforms, so everyone can use the station accessibly and come to Burnley?

[Louise Haigh]

I vividly remember visiting the station with my hon. Friend. He has been a strong campaigner on this and I know just how important it is for his constituents. We have awarded over £640 million to the Lancashire combined county authority for its local priorities, which could help deliver schemes such as this one. I know that the Rail Minister will be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the campaign.