Justin Madders

It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair this afternoon, Mr Twigg. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Ruth Cadbury) on securing this debate and for setting out so clearly and comprehensively the importance that she attaches to improving transport connectivity across west London. I also recognise that she has considerable support among colleagues, including my hon. Friends the Members for Brent East (Dawn Butler), for Ealing Central and Acton (Dr Huq) and for Hendon (David Pinto-Duschinsky) and the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Luke Taylor). There is clearly a united front on this issue. As my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth would expect, the Government recognise the importance of a reliable, accessible and well-connected transport network. That is particularly important in a global city such as London, where a transport network supports not only the capital’s economy, but the wider UK economy. As we have heard today, the west London orbital is a proposal for a new London Overground passenger service between Hounslow and Hendon, making use of existing rail infrastructure, including lines currently used for freight, as my hon. Friend mentioned. Transport for London estimates that the scheme could support more than 25,000 new homes and about 11,500 jobs. As my hon. Friend said, that will improve connectivity and links between important areas of economic development, including Old Oak and Park Royal, Brent Cross and the great west corridor. She also discussed connectivity with Brentford Football Club and said on a number of occasions that she hoped there would soon be a direct link from the club to Wembley—