Tory Ministers Criticized Over Transport Pledge
Geography Lessons Needed for Tory Ministers
Tory ministers faced criticism and were suggested to take geography lessons following the unveiling of the Government’s “Network North” transport pledge that surprisingly encompassed funding for rail links in the South as well.
Controversy Surrounding “Network North” Scheme
Despite Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s commitment to inject £36 billion into enhancing northern transport links, including the cancellation of HS2’s Birmingham-Manchester leg, revelations from an October document on the “Network North” initiative unveiled intentions for railway developments not just in the North and the Midlands but also in London and areas as remote as Devon.
Peers React to Non-Northern Commitments
During a House of Lords session, peers raised concerns about the non-northern aspects highlighted in the “Network North” scheme. Former Labour Cabinet minister Baroness Taylor of Bolton quizzed, “Will the minister and his colleagues arrange for themselves to have geography lessons?” In response, Transport minister Lord Davies of Gower retorted, “I happen to have an O-level in it.”
Debate on Allocation of Funds
The session also witnessed discussions on the allocation of funds within the scheme. Labour peer Lord Grocott questioned the inclusion of a new station in Tavistock in a document supposedly aimed at compensating the Midlands and the North post the HS2 cancellation. Additionally, concerns were raised by Labour peer Lord Liddle and Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Randerson regarding the £8.3 billion designated to fix potholes across the nation, with a substantial portion being directed towards councils in the southern regions.
Government’s Reinvestment Plans
Lord Davies defended the Government, assuring peers that every penny from the £19.8 billion slated for the northern leg of HS2 will be reinvested in the North, while the £9.6 billion allocated to the Midlands leg will support developments in the Midlands. He highlighted the redistribution of the £6.5 billion saved from the revised approach at Euston to benefit all regions.
Backlash from Northern Leaders
Amidst the unveiling, criticism emerged from northern mayors, denouncing the Conservative Party’s touted multimillion-pound investment in London road enhancements under the “Network North” agenda. While the Department for Transport justified the road improvements citing extra investments available post the HS2 cancellation, northern leaders expressed disappointment and disbelief at the prioritization of southern projects over northern infrastructure developments.
FAQs
What was the reaction to the revelation of the “Network North” transport pledge?
Tory ministers faced criticism and were advised to enroll in geography lessons following the disclosure of the “Network North” transport pledge involving funding for rail links in the South.
What discrepancies were highlighted in the “Network North” scheme?
Peers in the House of Lords pointed out that the “Network North” scheme included plans for rail developments not only in the North and Midlands but also in London and as far south as Devon, deviating from its purported focus on northern enhancements.
How did the government respond to concerns about fund allocation?
Transport minister Lord Davies assured peers that funds committed to HS2’s northern and Midlands legs would be reinvested accordingly while emphasizing the redistribution of saved amounts to benefit regions nationwide.
What criticism did northern mayors express regarding the “Network North” scheme?
Northern mayors criticized the Conservative Party for prioritizing significant investments in London road improvements under the “Network North” plan, highlighting a lack of focus on crucial northern infrastructure projects amidst the funding reallocation.
