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Written question asked by Louise Haigh (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 January 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 January 2024. It was answered by Huw Merriman (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 January 2024 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Railways: Midlands

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to page 25 of the policy paper entitled Network North, published on 4 October 2023, whether the proposed Midlands Rail hub has entered the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline; what the project’s Project Acceleration in a Controlled Environment stage is; when approval was granted to enter that stage; and whether entry to the next stage will be granted.

Answer

The Government received a business case for MRH’s "West and Central" scope (for improved services between Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and Hereford/Worcester) from Network Rail in November 2022. We are assessing the case for moving to the next stage through the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline, which would involve preparing detailed designs and working towards a future decision to deliver the scheme. We hope to be able to confirm next steps very soon.

In progressing MRH’s "Eastern" scope (for improved services between Birmingham and the East Midlands), in addition to considering the business case being prepared by Network Rail, we will also need to now take stock of the Network North plans and how the scheme can best optimise transport links throughout the region.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
9887
Session
2023-24
Related items
Network North: Transforming British Transport
Wednesday, 4 October 2023
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects
Railways Midlands
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk