Oral Evidence Jan. 31 2024
Inquiry: Strategic transport objectivesFound: Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and Transport for the North Oral Evidence
Asked by: Louise Haigh (Labour - Sheffield, Heeley)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to page 25 of the policy paper entitled Network North, published on 4 October 2023, whether the proposed Midlands Rail hub has entered the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline; what the project’s Project Acceleration in a Controlled Environment stage is; when approval was granted to enter that stage; and whether entry to the next stage will be granted.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Government received a business case for MRH’s "West and Central" scope (for improved services between Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and Hereford/Worcester) from Network Rail in November 2022. We are assessing the case for moving to the next stage through the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline, which would involve preparing detailed designs and working towards a future decision to deliver the scheme. We hope to be able to confirm next steps very soon.
In progressing MRH’s "Eastern" scope (for improved services between Birmingham and the East Midlands), in addition to considering the business case being prepared by Network Rail, we will also need to now take stock of the Network North plans and how the scheme can best optimise transport links throughout the region.
Asked by: Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government when they expect work on electrifying the rail line between Crewe and Holyhead to start; what estimate they have made of the cost of this work; and when they expect the project to be completed.
Answered by Lord Davies of Gower - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
We are working closely with the rail industry to develop and deliver on the Government priorities outlined in the Prime Minister’s Network North announcement, which includes an unprecedented £1 billion investment to fund the electrification of the North Wales Main Line. We are in the early stages of planning the next steps for the North Wales electrification scheme, including the costs and programme for development and delivery. We will share further information when that work is complete.
Jan. 04 2024
Source Page: Letter dated 19/12/2023 from Lord Davies of Gower to Lord Watts regarding the exact figure the Government has pledged to invest in new northern rail infrastructure schemes, as discussed during the repeat Urgent Question on Refurbishing Trains: Contracts. 1p.Found: Letter dated 19/12/2023 from Lord Davies of Gower to Lord Watts regarding the exact figure the Government
Dec. 04 2023
Source Page: Service announcement: £3.9 billion boost for more reliable train journeys in the NorthFound: Service announcement: £3.9 billion boost for more reliable train journeys in the North
Feb. 20 2024
Source Page: Ministers set out blueprint for future of the railways through draft Rail Reform BillFound: Ministers set out blueprint for future of the railways through draft Rail Reform Bill
Asked by: Gavin Williamson (Conservative - South Staffordshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when strategic development of the Manchester Piccadilly to West Yorkshire section of Northern Powerhouse Rail commenced; who is responsible for overseeing that work; what the estimated timeline for completing the work is; and what budget his Department has allocated for delivering that section.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) and Network North set out the strategic plan and funding for Northern Powerhouse Rail. The high-level route will continue to be developed as set out in the IRP. This includes sections of the track between Manchester Piccadilly to West Yorkshire. The government is working closely with our delivery partners including Network Rail and HS2 Ltd to achieve this. The government aims to complete Northern Powerhouse Rail by the mid-2040s.
Mar. 06 2024
Source Page: North East deeper devolution dealFound: North East deeper devolution deal
Asked by: Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to encourage more freight on to rail for efficiency and environmental reasons; and to improve Ely Junction to facilitate goods travelling by rail from east coast ports and elsewhere in the UK.
Answered by Lord Davies of Gower - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government is committed to growing rail freight to unlock the economic and environmental benefits it can deliver. We are undertaking a number of initiatives including setting a long-term growth target of increasing freight moved by rail by at least 75% by 2050, which was announced in December 2023, and a review of the Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme. Network Rail also continues to work closely with freight operators to improve performance and efficient use of the network.
The October 2023 Network North announcement confirmed Government’s support for the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement. The next stage of work for the scheme will involve detailed design work, development of a Full Business Case and beginning the process for securing delivery powers (for example, a Transport and Works Act Order).
Asked by: Gavin Williamson (Conservative - South Staffordshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when strategic development of the Parish of Millington and Rostherne to Liverpool section of Northern Powerhouse Rail commenced; who is responsible for overseeing that work; what the estimated timeline for completing the work is; and what budget his Department has allocated for delivering that section.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) and Network North set out the strategic plan and funding for Northern Powerhouse Rail. The high-level route will continue to be developed as set out in the IRP. This includes sections of the track between the Parish of Millington and Rostherne and Liverpool. The government is working closely with our delivery partners including Network Rail and HS2 Ltd to achieve this. The government aims to complete Northern Powerhouse Rail by the mid-2040s.