Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of rail connectivity between Teesside and other major economic centres.

I recognise the important part that reliable rail connections play for a growing economy like Teesside. As well as allocating significant investment to reopen Hartlepool platform 3 in June 2024, which will allow more trains to pass through the station, we are working with train operators to make the best use of the available infrastructure and to improve reliability to deliver the services passengers need.

My department has regular discussions with Mayor Houchen and other Northern leaders on their aspirations for a more connected and reliable rail service across Teesside and the whole North East.