Contributions
630 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDMidland Main Line FranchiseBecause it is not the case that all three bidders were non-compliant.02 May 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsFirst of all, I am part of a Government who have presided over a fall in Britain’s carbon emissions. Indeed my hon. Friends who have spoken on this matter over the past two days…02 May 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsI have said to all those who are commissioning new trains, particularly when my Department has a role in the procurement, that I expect manufacturers, when they deliver…02 May 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe House will be aware that yesterday the High Court ruling on the proposed expansion of Heathrow found that my Department acted lawfully on all counts. It would be remiss of me…02 May 2019HANSARDRail Franchising SystemThe Labour party is very clear that it wants to recreate British Rail, and it has every right to argue for that— [ Interruption. ] Labour Members say no, but that is their policy.…02 May 2019HANSARDRail Franchising SystemSince my right hon. Friend and I visited her station, I have discussed the issue with my Department and with Network Rail. In the past month, we have entered the new rail control…02 May 2019HANSARDRail Franchising SystemThis is one of the things we need to achieve for the future. There is demand for extra services all round the country, and to release that demand, we need to continue to invest in…02 May 2019HANSARDSkipton to Colne Rail LinkAn initial feasibility study carried out in partnership with Transport for the North was completed in December 2018. We are now working to assess the scheme to ensure that it can…02 May 2019HANSARDSkipton to Colne Rail LinkOf course if the scheme is to go forward, it has to be at an affordable price. It is part of the Government’s broader strategy to improve connections between east Lancashire and…02 May 2019HANSARDRail Franchising SystemRail franchising has delivered substantial benefits to passengers and record levels of investment over the past 25 years, but it is time for a fresh approach and that is why we…02 May 2019HANSARDMidland Main Line FranchiseBrand-new trains capable of operating under electric and diesel power will be introduced into service on the midland main line from 2022. I hope and expect the first train to be…02 May 2019HANSARDMidland Main Line FranchiseThe inter-city fleet will be entirely new, which will be a great bonus to travellers on that route. We expect to see more seats and a brand-new fleet of trains, which is really…02 May 2019HANSARDMidland Main Line FranchiseThe more we build in this country, the more we invest in research and development. In the north-east, we are seeing more of Hitachi’s capabilities coming to the United Kingdom.…02 May 2019HANSARD No-Deal Brexit: Cross-channel FreightThat is precisely why these contracts had early cancellation provisions that enabled us to close the contracts down at a cost that was much lower than the full cost of the…02 May 2019HANSARD No-Deal Brexit: Cross-channel FreightOur policy has been consistent from the start: we want to leave the European Union with a deal. We will continue to work to do so but will make appropriate plans for all…02 May 2019HANSARD No-Deal Brexit: Cross-channel FreightMy hon. Friend makes a very good point. It underlines one of the things that makes the business community much more concerned by a Corbyn Government than by Brexit, because Labour…02 May 2019HANSARD No-Deal Brexit: Cross-channel FreightI will not, because it is not true.02 May 2019HANSARD No-Deal Brexit: Cross-channel FreightThe bit I do not understand is that Labour Members do not appear to understand insurance. When someone takes out a home insurance policy each year, they pay their money and they…02 May 2019HANSARD No-Deal Brexit: Cross-channel FreightI can categorically say that I did not intervene in any matters relating to the decisions to let these contracts, how they were let and what the recommendations were about letting…02 May 2019HANSARD No-Deal Brexit: Cross-channel FreightI regret that any big company—particularly in the case of Eurotunnel—would take a decision to pursue a legal action at such a time, when the Government are seeking to operate in…02 May 2019