Contributions
2,622 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelThis is a fascinating area and I thank my noble friend for raising it. We are developing a number of loading gauge enhancement projects to extend the strategic freight network of…24 Feb 2021HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelMy Lords, the Government engage regularly with the international freight sector to discuss a range of issues and are keen to see the expansion of rail freight services running…24 Feb 2021HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelThe Government continue to discuss Eurostar’s financial situation with the French Government. At the moment there are no proposals on the table.24 Feb 2021HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelI think the noble Baroness is referring to our Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme, which is indeed already in place. It supports rail services where they may be slightly less…24 Feb 2021HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelI will certainly join my noble friend for the latter comment. The tunnel is a great thing. The noble Baroness asked what support is available. We are working very closely with…24 Feb 2021HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelThe noble Lord will know that whether a consignment uses conventional rail freight or an HGV will very much depend on the nature of the goods being transported. Conventional rail…24 Feb 2021HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelI would love to have the answers to those questions, but I am afraid that I do not, and I do not have a calculator with me at this moment. However, I will write to the noble Lord…24 Feb 2021HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelI am not sure about the delays to which my noble friend has referred, but it is the case that at the end of the year, freight flows decreased somewhat owing to both testing for…24 Feb 2021HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelThe noble Lord is right to say that there are things that we can do; indeed, we are doing them. Network Rail is working with the freight operating companies on timetabling to…24 Feb 2021HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelWe continue to work with the French Government on seeking arrangements for the longer term. This will include recognition of operator licences, safety certificates and train…24 Feb 2021HANSARDRail Freight: Channel TunnelAs I have just explained to the noble Lord, this is a commercial decision by the freight operating companies. The Government certainly stand by to support where we can. For…24 Feb 2021HANSARDHS2: Phase 2BMy Lords, the Government will not be scrapping HS2.08 Feb 2021HANSARDHS2: Phase 2BA couple of things are conflated in that question. Regarding the pressing ahead, the London to Birmingham section was far more developed than any other section, and therefore it…08 Feb 2021HANSARDHS2: Phase 2BMy Lords, it is not an either/or when it comes to railways in the north or anywhere else. That is why we have the Restoring Your Railway Fund, which is looking at reopening…08 Feb 2021HANSARDHS2: Phase 2BWe are in frequent discussions with stakeholders across the north and the Midlands to fully understand the economic benefits of HS2 to their areas. It is absolutely clear to us…08 Feb 2021HANSARDHS2: Phase 2BMy Lords, we have been very impressed by the scale of the regeneration plans for the proposed HS2 station at Toton. In the IRP it is very important that we consider regeneration…08 Feb 2021HANSARDHS2: Phase 2BI am not sure precisely what commitment the noble Lord would like me to give, but the Prime Minister recently spoke about “the power of great infrastructure projects to deliver…08 Feb 2021HANSARDHS2: Phase 2BMy Lords, the Government are committed to ensuring that the Midlands, Yorkshire and the north-east realise the benefits of high-speed services. The integrated rail plan will set…08 Feb 2021HANSARDHS2: Phase 2BMy Lords, this Government completely agree with the noble Lord, and that is why transport infrastructure and building back better is our priority for Britain over the coming years.08 Feb 2021HANSARDHS2: Phase 2BThe noble Lord is completely right—this project is about connectivity and capacity, and the connectivity strand is about connectivity throughout the country. HS2 provides a…08 Feb 2021