Oral QuestionDepartment for Culture, Media and Sport

If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

Tabled: 2 March 2023Answered: 9 March 2023

Asked by

Florence Eshalomi

Labour (Co-op)Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

Answer from Hansard

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of stronger and more reliable rail connections in improving journeys and driving economic growth. The Conservative party utterly failed to grip delivery on HS2. Costs went through the roof, and timelines were shredded. There were false promises and a total failure. We are reviewing the position that we inherited, and we are committed to improving rail connectivity across the north. We have already announced £450 million extra for the key trans-Pennine route upgrade, which will slash journey times and deliver growth and more reliable modern services for passengers.