Oral Answers to Questions

Sonia Kumar Excerpts

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Keir Mather]

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his request for a meeting, which I will make sure is reflected to the Rail Minister. I understand the importance of the contribution that Hull Trains makes, both to the east riding of Yorkshire and across the country. Under the Railways Bill, it is absolutely right for GBR to be the directing mind for the railway, to ensure that we can make best use of the network, but we are also very clear that where open access represents best use, those trains will get on the network. Hull Trains has a very important part to play in rail connectivity in the United Kingdom.

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

14. What steps she is taking to improve transport connectivity in Dudley.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)]

We are empowering the Mayor of the West Midlands to deliver the better, more reliable connections that communities in Dudley need and deserve. Mayor Richard Parker is already putting the £2.4 billion in more flexible, integrated funding that we are providing to good use, delivering on transformative local priorities such as metro expansion, bus franchising and light rail.

[Sonia Kumar]

For far too long, communities across the Black Country have had to put up with poor transport links. That is why the long-awaited opening of the metro station later this year is such welcome news for people and businesses in Dudley, even after delays. This key investment will help bring visitors to Dudley High Street and drive the renewal of our town centre, but our area desires one more project. What further investment will the Department for Transport commit to bringing to Dudley? Will the Secretary of State commit to attending the opening of the metro? I am happy to treat her to some orange chips from Dudley.

[Heidi Alexander]

The metro’s expansion represents a major boost for growth in Dudley and the west midlands, delivering fast, affordable and reliable connections to Birmingham, Wolverhampton, the Black Country and beyond. Together with the Dudley interchange, it will transform local transport, unlocking access to jobs, education and new opportunities for the community. I very much enjoyed my last visit to Dudley and the Black Country Living Museum, and I will certainly ask my office to check my availability for the opening of the metro.

Oral Answers to Questions

Sonia Kumar Excerpts

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Heidi Alexander]

Millions and millions of people will benefit from this Government’s rail sale, which is running this week. That is in addition to the over 1 billion journeys that will be captured by the fares freeze, which we have introduced for the first time in 30 years after relentless fare hikes under the previous Government.

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

As temperatures have plummeted across the country this week, road conditions have deteriorated. Sadly, the Conservative council in Dudley removed 500 grit bins before the winter, creating dangerous conditions for all and making day-to-day errands simply impossible. Will my hon. Friend work with me to hold Dudley council to account and ensure that Dudley’s roads are safe all year round?

[Simon Lightwood]

I will indeed. It is for local highway authorities to determine the most appropriate measures to achieve the gritting of roads based on local circumstances. We continue to offer support by maintaining a national emergency salt reserve.

Oral Answers to Questions

Sonia Kumar Excerpts

Thursday 27th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Heidi Alexander]

We are working closely with East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry to resolve cancellations and delays, whether related to train fleets, staffing or infrastructure matters.

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

The reduction in funding for our waterways by 5% year on year from 2027 will have a detrimental impact on the operations of the Dudley Canal and Caverns Trust. Will my right hon. Friend commit to a review of the funding of our waterways and reinstate that support?

[Heidi Alexander]

I am happy to look into that issue for my hon. Friend and provide her with a written update.