Question
The Penistone line, which runs through my constituency, serves over half a million people, eight constituencies, six hospitals, four universities and a network of colleges, schools and GP surgeries, but it has only one train an hour. Our Government are funding phase 1 of upgrading the line, but further funding is needed to deliver phase 2 to enable two trains an hour along our line—the spine that connects south and west Yorkshire. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that delivering both phases of the upgrade together will most effectively secure two trains an hour, and will she meet me ahead of the next spending review to discuss delivering the full upgrade and two trains an hour to ensure growth in every postcode along the line?
Answer
My hon. Friend and I have met on this issue, and she is right to say that the Government are making that investment in phase 1. I remember discussing it with her when I was at Sheffield station for the Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement earlier this year. I would be happy to continue those conversations about phase 2 as we head into the next spending review.
Verdict: AMBER (45/100)
The reply only partly answers the question. It does not say whether the Secretary of State agrees that delivering both phases together is the most effective way to secure two trains an hour. It points to current investment in phase 1 and offers continued discussions on phase 2. On the request for a meeting before the spending review, it commits to continuing conversations about phase 2 but stops short of an explicit offer to meet, so the MP would probably need to follow up for a clear position.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the Secretary of State agrees that delivering both phases of the Penistone line upgrade together will most effectively secure two trains an hour along the line. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The question asks whether the Secretary of State agrees that delivering both phases together is the most effective way to secure two trains an hour. The reply never states agreement or disagreement with that position. It notes the government is investing in phase 1 and offers to continue conversations about phase 2, but does not engage with the case for delivering the phases together. |
| Whether the Secretary of State will meet the MP ahead of the next spending review to discuss delivering the full upgrade of the Penistone line and two trains an hour. | Addressed | Direct | The question asks whether the Secretary of State will meet the MP ahead of the next spending review to discuss the full upgrade and two trains an hour. The reply commits to continuing conversations about phase 2 as the government heads into the next spending review, and points to previous discussions, which substantively answers the request. It stops short of an explicit 'I will meet', so confidence is moderate. |