Mr Mark Francois

Mr Mark Francois

Conservative — Rayleigh and Wickford

Speaking in the House of Commons on 15 October 2026

Debate

Highways (Financing) Bill

Contribution

My hon. Friend brings valuable ministerial experience to the House. I think it is fair to say that the lower Thames crossing has a very long and checkered history, just as HS2 has a very long and checkered history—in both cases, under Governments of different colours—but he is absolutely right: in south Essex, the scepticism about future tolls on the lower Thames crossing is largely based on the fact that the tolls on the QEII bridge are still in operation.

More from Mr Mark Francois

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 Mr Mark Francois's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Mr Mark Francois report card.