Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Prinsley Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Haigh]

I am sure the whole House’s thoughts are with Eivie and her friend’s families and all who loved them. This is a tragic case, and one that absolutely highlights the importance of reforming SEND—I know the whole House is behind that—as we look to tackle the failures in this system that have been an issue for many years. My right hon. Friend the Education Secretary is leading the work to strengthen that system so that families do not have to fight for support, and education, health and care plans will remain part of the system. Parents will continue to be involved in decisions about their children’s support, and the tribunal will remain a key legal backstop. My right hon. Friend is more than happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss this issue and the very sad case he raises.

[Dr Peter Prinsley (Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket) (Lab)]

Q9. I wonder whether my right hon. Friend has ever had the opportunity to visit the beautiful town of Bury St Edmunds—a jewel in Suffolk’s crown. Haughley junction is a piece of crucial railway infrastructure that, if completed, would enable us to run direct trains from Bury St Edmunds to London, which of course would make it much simpler for my right hon. Friend to come and visit us. What advice would she give me in order that we might get this project back on track?

[Louise Haigh]

I am very grateful for that conditional invitation. We absolutely recognise the potential benefits that upgrades to Haughley junction could deliver for passengers and freight alike and that these must be delivered alongside rail upgrades in the Ely area. As my hon. Friend knows, both projects were cancelled by the previous Government in 2021, but I am pleased to confirm that both are now being considered for future funding, and I know the Transport Secretary will be happy to meet him to hear his case.