Andy MacNae

Andy MacNae

Labour — Rossendale and Darwen

Speaking in the House of Commons on 3 June 2026

Debate

Small Towns: Transport Links

Contribution

Absolutely, and I know that several colleagues here have been great champions of accessibility to rail links. It is absolutely fundamental. On the lack of connection, Rossendale remains the only local authority in the north without a direct rail link, despite thousands of residents commuting into Manchester every week—it is only 15 miles away. The old railway line still exists; all we need to do is reinstate it as a commuter line. Rossendale borough council has fully explored the costs and benefits in its City Valley link proposal. It is not a speculative idea, but a credible, carefully developed proposal with a strong business case behind it.

More from Andy MacNae

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Andy MacNae's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Andy MacNae report card.

Partner sites