Update for Norwich North: Transport

Improving our transport locally has always been a priority for me. I know that better transport in Norwich will lead to more jobs and prosperity for our city and local businesses.

 

I was delighted the Chancellor recently announced the acceleration of the Western Link, which is vital for our economy. Norfolk is also being considered for selection as one of the Government's new Investment Zones, which could bring more growth to our area by unlocking private investment and cutting red tape.

 

However, I am of course aware too that rail strikes have brought misery to local commuters over recent weeks and months. These strikes harm our economy and impacts on growth and jobs too. I have condemned the strikes, and encouraged Union leaders to get around the negotiating table with Ministers.

 

I have always championed the railways, and achieved notable success campaigning for improvements to our local rail service in recent years, including securing £1.4bn of investment into our regional mainline. This investment supported the introduction of brand new carriages, which were rolled out in 2020.

 

I want as many people as possible to benefit from these new, faster trains. So I agree that action is needed now to stop this strike disruption, and I welcome news that the Government has confirmed that it will step in.

 

The Government has confirmed that it will introduce new legislation to ensure there is always a minimum service level on important public services. This will stop trade unions holding the economy to ransom, as we've seen over the past few months on the railways, and get Britain moving.

 

The Government will rapidly introduce the new legislation, which will cover vital public services like our transport network, our education system, and across our health services – to keep them running even when extreme strike action takes place.

  

There is also good news on buses. I have always supported our local buses, including supporting the successful campaign by local residents to keep the ‘Linacre loop’ bus service, and securing £30m of investment into public transport in our city.

 

All bus users in Norwich will benefit from the  £2 cap on single bus journeys from January to March 2023, backed by up to £60 million to ensure affordable transport across the country. I know this is a difficult time for many families and businesses in Norwich, and I know the fare cap will provide further support over the winter months.

 

More widely, the Government will be focused on delivering better infrastructure like roads, railways, and broadband more quickly. It wants to do this, as it will drive up opportunities across the UK and here in Norwich.

 

I support these plans, as I know that they will benefit everyone here in Norwich, too. These plans are all part of the Government’s overall Growth Plan, which will get the economy growing. I back this plan, as I know that getting our economy growing will lead to higher wages, greater opportunities and, vitally, long-term sustainable funding for public services, which we all want to see.