Written question asked by Chi Onwurah (Labour) on Thursday, 21 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 March 2024. It was answered by Huw Merriman (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 March 2024 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

East West Rail Line

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of East West Rail on science and technology activities in locations on that route.

Answer: The Government has a strong desire to maintain and enhance our position as a global science and technology superpower and we recognise the importance of the Oxford-Cambridge region as a globally renowned hub of science, research and innovation, with businesses and universities that are leading the way in life sciences, space and green technologies. At the East West Rail Route Update Announcement in May 2023, it was reconfirmed that East West Rail would approach to Cambridge from the south, serving the new Cambridge South station, and promoting greater economic growth given the proximity of the Biomedical Campus to Cambridge South station.

Secondary information