Contributions
805 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCost of Rail ServicesI am surprised that the hon. Gentleman has the gall to raise this issue when, under his party’s Government, fares rose at around twice the speed of wages. I also point out that…13 Feb 2025HANSARDCost of Rail ServicesMy hon. Friend is absolutely right: in the middle of a global pandemic, the Conservatives were still obsessed with settling old political scores over fares in London, rather than…13 Feb 2025HANSARDCost of Rail ServicesI assure my hon. Friend that we will bring the train operating companies into public ownership properly, and that we will not repeat the mistakes we have seen in Scotland.13 Feb 2025HANSARDCost of Rail ServicesWe will be increasing value for money in the way we operate our railways. To start off with, we will be getting rid of up to £100 million a year in management fees that we are…13 Feb 2025HANSARDCost of Rail ServicesI assure the hon. Gentleman that the consultation on establishing Great British Railways is coming soon, and I look forward to discussing it further with him. I am confident that…13 Feb 2025HANSARDRail PassengersImproving performance is a top priority for this Government as we establish Great British Railways. We regularly meet managing directors of train operating companies and their…13 Feb 2025HANSARDRail PassengersMy hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the importance of this investment to her constituency. The rail upgrade will double the number of seats between Huddersfield and…13 Feb 2025HANSARDRail PassengersI understand that officials in my Department are speaking to Scottish colleagues, and I hope to be in a position to say more about that soon, potentially as part of the spending…13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe are getting on with delivering this Government’s plan for change. Last week I approved upgrades to four major road projects across Wiltshire, Leeds, Essex and Buckinghamshire.…13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI will always work closely with colleagues in the Scottish Government to ensure that this Government’s ambitions for transport reach all corners of the UK. The Scottish Government…13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsWhen I was deputy Mayor for transport in London, I was speaking in that capacity at that time, reflecting the views of the Mayor of London and City Hall on a previous Heathrow…13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsThere is a balance to be struck here. I welcome services such as those that run to Hull; they open up new routes and new connectivity. I have, however, asked the Office of Rail…13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI fully support the Chancellor’s call for fresh proposals for Heathrow. Some of our airports in the south-east are running at or near capacity. We cannot pretend that that is not…13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsReliable, frequent train services are important, no matter where in the country we live. I will ask the Rail Minister for a meeting.13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI am sure that is an invitation that the Rail Minister could not possibly refuse.13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsAlongside the question of how many planes should take off and land at Heathrow, there is the critical question of how people get to the airport. The hon. Gentleman makes an…13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI hate to tell the hon. Gentleman this, but that was fantasy money. We are working through a pipeline of transport infrastructure projects, and will make announcements alongside…13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsDelivering economic growth requires a proper plan for investment in our transport infrastructure. That is exactly what this Government are determined to deliver.13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsMy hon. Friend is an assiduous and informed campaigner for improved rail services for his constituents. He will know that funding for the midlands rail hub includes funding for…13 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsNetwork Rail is completing a strategic outline business case, covering electrification of the Calder Valley line. The business case will be considered in the context of the wider…13 Feb 2025