Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Edwards Excerpts

Thursday 12th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Heidi Alexander]

That is precisely why we have established an accountability and transparency framework for local authorities, under which they need to report to us the amount of proactive resurfacing they are doing, which can obviously represent better value for money for the taxpayer. I know that people want to see contractors getting it right first time, and the Government are determined to work with local authorities to make sure that is the case.

[Sarah Edwards (Tamworth) (Lab)]

T9. Residents in my constituency have faced years of disruption from High Speed 2, and the saga continues. Upcoming works on the A38 include an 11-day closure at the Swinfen interchange and a year-long closure of the northbound slip road at Streethay in neighbouring Lichfield. These measures will inevitably push traffic on to the A5 bypass and through villages including Hints, Weeford, Whittington and Swinfen, causing significant disruption to my constituents. [Interruption.] Will the Secretary of State outline when my constituents can expect these works to be completed? What assurances can be given that the disruption will be minimised?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I do not need advice from the Opposition Benches that somebody is reading. Members should not just pick on one side—it is happening on both sides of the House. I do not like reading, but I expect the House to be tolerant on both sides. I am sure Opposition Members will also shout when they see someone on their own side doing it—not!