Oral Answers to Questions

The Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State for Transport, Simon Lightwood and Lilian Greenwood, responded to questions from MPs on various transport-related topics. In the first session, Simon Lightwood (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport) responded to tabled questions on Chiltern Railways' capacity, the construction of Old Oak Common station, and the impact on rail passengers travelling to the south-west, as well as road safety measures. Lightwood discussed the Department's work with Chiltern Railways to support its fleet renewal programme, the £30 million investment to mitigate disruption during the construction of Old Oak Common station, and the government's plans to give police more powers to tackle dangerous and antisocial driving. In the topical questions, the Secretary of State, Louise Haigh, addressed issues such as the impact of industrial disputes on the rail network, the government's road safety strategy, and the funding and delivery of transport projects, including the Lower Thames Crossing. Haigh highlighted the government's efforts to settle national and local pay disputes, its commitment to developing a new road safety strategy, and the ongoing review of the capital investment portfolio to ensure value for money. In the second session, Lilian Greenwood (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport) responded to tabled questions on the electrification of the Midland Main Line, transport needs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and the government's steps to improve local bus services. Greenwood provided updates on the progress of electrification work, the government's engagement with local authorities in the south-west, and the forthcoming Buses Bill, which will give local leaders more control over bus services. During the topical questions, the Secretary of State, Louise Haigh, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretaries, Simon Lightwood and Lilian Greenwood, addressed a range of issues, including the impact of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London, the government's support for regional airports, the review of capital investment in transport, and the accessibility of the rail network. The ministers highlighted the government's efforts to address concerns raised by constituents, work with local authorities and stakeholders, and ensure that transport investment delivers value for money and supports economic growth and sustainability.