Midlands Rail Hub: Stakeholders

Nigel Huddleston, the Member of Parliament for Droitwich and Evesham, asked the Minister of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood, if she would meet with stakeholders in the Midlands to discuss plans to build the Midlands Rail Hub. In her response, Greenwood acknowledged that Network Rail is currently in the process of procuring design for the delivery of the western phase of the Midlands Rail Hub scheme. She stated that while a business case is being developed for later phases, the government would be happy to meet with Huddleston and other stakeholders to discuss the progress of the programme. Huddleston expressed his appreciation for the response and requested that the Minister provide some information on the timing of this important investment for the region, which he believes will significantly contribute to the economic prospects of the West Midlands. Greenwood responded by emphasizing the importance of improving rail infrastructure in the Midlands. She explained that the next major decision on the first phase will be to consider the release of delivery funding in around four years' time, but in the meantime, the government is expecting a business case for the subsequent phases of the programme to be ready next year, which will inform the next steps.