Capital Investment

Graham Leadbitter, the Scottish National Party (SNP) MP for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, asked the Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, whether she had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on increasing capital investment in transport. In her response, the Secretary of State acknowledged that the government had inherited a £22 billion fiscal black hole, including underfunded and unfunded transport projects. She stated that she is reviewing capital expenditure in transport to ensure responsible spending and value for money, as well as to ensure that the investment powers growth across the country. Leadbitter followed up, noting the ambitions of Scotland and other devolved nations regarding major capital transport schemes. He highlighted the cuts made to capital budgets by the previous Conservative government and the rising construction inflation, urging the Secretary of State to ensure that capital funding for transport projects is substantially increased to enable vital connectivity work to progress at pace. The Secretary of State responded that she has met with the Scottish Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, and looks forward to a constructive working relationship. She also noted that spending commitments are a matter for the ongoing spending review. Jim Dickson, the Labour MP for Dartford, intervened, highlighting the under-investment in the Lower Thames Crossing project, which has resulted in poor air quality and disruption for Dartford residents. He asked the Secretary of State to consider making representations to the Treasury to ensure that the Lower Thames Crossing, a vital infrastructure project, is funded. The Secretary of State acknowledged that the decision around the development consent order for the Lower Thames Crossing is a quasi-judicial one, and she is unable to comment further than her written ministerial statement earlier that week.