{"id":70718,"date":"2016-05-19T11:36:26","date_gmt":"2016-05-19T11:36:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=266b5ee70904f7861016344cbe5ce260"},"modified":"2016-05-19T11:36:26","modified_gmt":"2016-05-19T11:36:26","slug":"speech-queens-speech-debate-transport-and-infrastructure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=70718","title":{"rendered":"Speech: Queen\u2019s Speech debate: Transport and Infrastructure"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Mr Speaker, before I introduce the debate I would like to make a brief statement about the loss of Egyptair air flight MS804.<\/p>\n

The aircraft \u2013 an Airbus 320 was carrying 56 passengers and 10 members of crew between Paris and Cairo \u2013 disappeared from radar at approximately 01:30am UK time, over the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n

We understand that one of those passengers on board is a UK national and that consular staff are in contact with the family and are providing support.<\/p>\n

I know that the House will want to join me in saying that our thoughts are with the family and friends of all those on board.<\/p>\n

The government is in touch with the Egyptian and French authorities and has offered full assistance.<\/p>\n

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has offered to assist with the investigation in any way it can.<\/p>\n

Mr Speaker, it is a pleasure to open this debate on Her Majesty\u2019s gracious speech<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I welcome this opportunity to talk about our plans for transport and infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Yesterday\u2019s speech was all about building a stronger, more resilient, more modern economy.<\/p>\n

Which provides security for all people.<\/p>\n

And opportunity at every stage of life.<\/p>\n

A country fit for the future.<\/p>\n

No matter what challenges it faces.<\/p>\n

Because if we\u2019ve learned anything from the past decade.<\/p>\n

It is that we need to be better prepared.<\/p>\n

More responsible during times of plenty.<\/p>\n

So we can weather the more difficult times.<\/p>\n

In the last Parliament we had to make some tough economic decisions.<\/p>\n

But they were the right economic decisions.<\/p>\n

We earned a hard-fought recovery from the recession and the financial crisis.<\/p>\n

In 2014 Britain was the fastest growing major advanced economy in the world.<\/p>\n

In 2015 we were the second fastest after the United States.<\/p>\n

And in 2016 the employment rate hit yet another record high.<\/p>\n

More families are benefitting from the security of a regular wage.<\/p>\n

And unemployment has fallen once again.<\/p>\n

The deficit is down by two thirds as a share of GDP<\/abbr>.<\/p>\n

And the OBR<\/abbr> forecasts that it will be eliminated by 2019-20.<\/p>\n

So, that recovery is still going on today.<\/p>\n

And with the global economy slowing, it is even more vital that we stick to our long-term economic plan.<\/p>\n

But it is not just a responsible fiscal strategy that we need.<\/p>\n

We also need to invest for Britain\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

To create the capacity and space we need to grow.<\/p>\n

For decades, we have been slipping down the global infrastructure league table.<\/p>\n

If I take an example from recent history, let\u2019s say the period between 1997 and 2010, Britain slipped from 7th to 33rd in the world.<\/p>\n

The result?<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve watched as our roads have grown increasingly congested.<\/p>\n

Our railways overcrowded.<\/p>\n

And our town centres choked with traffic.<\/p>\n

But if we can\u2019t move people or goods efficiently from one place to another, how can we expect businesses to invest in Britain?<\/p>\n

Building the infrastructure that Britain needs to compete is one of the defining political challenges of the age.<\/p>\n

So we have spent the past 6 years in government turning things around.<\/p>\n

Climbing up the global infrastructure investment league table – and now in the top 10 ahead of France, Japan and Germany.<\/p>\n

And action is underway.<\/p>\n

New wider roads.<\/p>\n

Faster new trains.<\/p>\n

Better urban transport.<\/p>\n

In the south-west: widening the A30 and the A303. Brand new express trains on order.<\/p>\n

In the north-west: Manchester Victoria station transformed, electric trains on the northern hub, motorways widened.<\/p>\n

In East Anglia: the A11, open; the Norwich Distributor Road, under construction; finally taking action on the A47 and the A14.<\/p>\n

In the Midlands: a transformation at Birmingham New Street; the M1, partly converted to four lane running.<\/p>\n

I could go on. Crossrail in London. Action right around the country.<\/p>\n

A Treasury report last year revealed that over \u00a3400 billion of infrastructure work is currently planned across the country.<\/p>\n

And the biggest slice of that is transport.<\/p>\n

Overall, transport infrastructure spending will rise by 50% this Parliament.<\/p>\n

That means we can invest \u00a315 billion to maintain and improve our roads.<\/p>\n

The largest figure for a generation.<\/p>\n

\u00a36 billion for local highways maintenance.<\/p>\n

And giving local authorities multi-year funding settlements, for the first time ever.<\/p>\n

With an additional \u00a3250 million fund to help tackle potholes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re adding over 1,300 lane miles to our motorways.<\/p>\n

We are delivering the most ambitious rail modernisation programme since the Victorian era, a \u00a340 billion investment.<\/p>\n

Crossrail, Thameslink, electrification, Intercity Express Programme.<\/p>\n

New carriages being built in a new factory, opened by the Prime Minister, in the north east by Hitachi.<\/p>\n

A company that\u2019s now moved its global rail HQ<\/abbr> to Britain.<\/p>\n

And of course HS2, which starts construction next year.<\/p>\n

This is a new start for infrastructure that will make Britain one of the world\u2019s leading transport investors.<\/p>\n

And the gracious speech also supports legislation to back the Infrastructure Commission.<\/p>\n

The commission\u2019s influence is already being felt.<\/p>\n

Following its recommendations, we\u2019ve invested an extra \u00a3300 million to improve northern transport connectivity.<\/p>\n

On top of the record \u00a313 billion already committed across the north.<\/p>\n

Given the green light to HS3 between Leeds and Manchester.<\/p>\n

And allocated \u00a380 million to help fund the development of Crossrail 2.<\/p>\n

This all adds up to an ambitious pipeline of schemes, that will not only free up capacity, boost freight, and improve travel.<\/p>\n

But that will also help us attract jobs, rebalance our economy, and make us a more prosperous country.<\/p>\n

Now of course while some of this is happening there will be disruption.<\/p>\n

There will be inconvenience.<\/p>\n

We need to plan for it and get it right.<\/p>\n

And when the work\u2019s done you get the benefit: as at Reading station, or the new Wakefield station, or Nottingham station.<\/p>\n

Infrastructure that will prepare Britain for the future.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s what\u2019s behind the Modern Transport Bill.<\/p>\n

A bill to pave the way for the technologies and transport of tomorrow.<\/p>\n

We are already developing a charging infrastructure for electric and hybrid vehicles.<\/p>\n

Now, driverless cars and commercial space flight may seem like science fiction to some.<\/p>\n

But the economic potential of these new technologies is vast.<\/p>\n

And we are determined that Britain will benefit by helping to lead their development.<\/p>\n

Driverless cars will come under new legislation so they can be insured under ordinary policies.<\/p>\n

These new laws will help autonomous and driverless cars become a real option for private buyers and fleets.<\/p>\n

The UK is already established as one of the best places in the world to research and develop these vehicles.<\/p>\n

Just as we are leading the way with real world testing to ensure cars meet emissions standards, cleaning up the air in our cities.<\/p>\n

Through this bill, we will strengthen our position as a leader in the intelligent mobility sector, which is currently growing by an estimated 16% a year.<\/p>\n

And which some experts have said could be worth up to \u00a3900 billion worldwide by 2025.<\/p>\n

This bill will allow for the construction of the first commercial spaceport.<\/p>\n

A full range of viable options have been put forward and we support those bids.<\/p>\n

This bill will create the right framework for the market to select what the best locations will be.<\/p>\n

We will also legislate to encourage British entrepreneurs to make the most of the commercial opportunities of space.<\/p>\n

This will form part of wider government support for the UK space sector, aimed at raising revenues from almost \u00a312 billion to \u00a340 billion by 2030.<\/p>\n

That is around 10% of the global space economy.<\/p>\n

We are also preparing for HS2.<\/p>\n

The biggest infrastructure scheme this country has seen for a generation.<\/p>\n

To transform railway travel across Britain.<\/p>\n

To free up capacity on the rest of the network<\/p>\n

And to rebalance our economic geography.<\/p>\n

Already before a single track is laid the \u201cHS2 Factor\u201d is having an impact.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve seen blue chip companies like Burberry choosing to move to Leeds.<\/p>\n

While HSBC has relocated its retail banking headquarters from London to Birmingham.<\/p>\n

And cited HS2 as a significant factor in its decision.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve seen ambitious regeneration plans around places like Curzon Street station in Birmingham and Old Oak Common.<\/p>\n

And cities like Leeds, Manchester, Crewe and Sheffield are preparing for Phase 2.<\/p>\n

For businesses, HS2 means they can access new markets.<\/p>\n

Draw their employees from a much wider catchment area.<\/p>\n

And – perhaps for the first time – consider moving offices away from London.<\/p>\n

So when HS2 construction begins next year, we will be building something much bigger than a new railway.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be investing in our economic prosperity for the next half a century and more.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be training a new generation of engineers.<\/p>\n

Developing skills for a new generation of apprentices.<\/p>\n

Rebalancing growth that for far too long has been concentrated in London and the south-east.<\/p>\n

And we\u2019ll be firing up the north and the Midlands to take full advantage of this transformational project.<\/p>\n

After overwhelming support in this house, the bill has now moved on to the other place.<\/p>\n

And I look forward to the Lords Select Committee.<\/p>\n

Mr Speaker I am a strong supporter of remaining in the European Union.<\/p>\n

But I am glad that we will no longer only be able to get a high speed train from London to Paris or to Brussels but we will also be able to get them to Manchester, to Leeds, to Sheffield, and to Birmingham.<\/p>\n

But no matter how big the scheme.<\/p>\n

And how vital for Britain\u2019s national infrastructure.<\/p>\n

We always remember that the vast majority of journeys people make are local in nature.<\/p>\n

So local transport, and the local infrastructure, is no less crucial to preparing Britain for the future.<\/p>\n

Backing safer routes for more cycling and better buses.<\/p>\n

So we\u2019re devolving power out to cities and regions.<\/p>\n

To give communities a much bigger stake in local planning.<\/p>\n

Transport is just one aspect of that.<\/p>\n

But as we heard yesterday, the Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill will also give communities a much stronger voice.<\/p>\n

To make the local planning process clearer, easier and quicker.<\/p>\n

To deliver new local infrastructure.<\/p>\n

And support our ambition to build one million new homes.<\/p>\n

While protecting the areas we value most, such as green belts.<\/p>\n

Our reforms have already resulted in councils granting planning applications for more than a quarter of a million homes in the past year.<\/p>\n

But our plans go much further than that.<\/p>\n

To become a country where everyone who works hard can have a home of their own.<\/p>\n

The gracious speech also featured the Local Jobs and Growth Bill.<\/p>\n

Which will allow local authorities to retain 100% of local taxes to spend on local services by the end of this Parliament.<\/p>\n

That is worth an extra \u00a313 billion from business rates.<\/p>\n

Councils have called for more fiscal autonomy.<\/p>\n

Now they\u2019re getting it.<\/p>\n

A real commitment from central government.<\/p>\n

Real devolution.<\/p>\n

And real self-sufficiency for regions across England.<\/p>\n

Arguably the biggest change in local government finance for a generation.<\/p>\n

The bill will give authorities the power to cut business rates, to boost enterprise, and grow their local economies.<\/p>\n

As announced in the Budget, we will pilot the new system in Greater Manchester and Liverpool.<\/p>\n

And increase the share retained in London.<\/p>\n

Yesterday also illustrated how we\u2019re devolving responsibility for local transport services.<\/p>\n

The Bus Services Bill will provide new powers to local authorities to improve bus services and increase passenger numbers.<\/p>\n

It will deliver for passengers, local authorities and bus companies.<\/p>\n

All working in partnership together to improve services.<\/p>\n

Stronger partnerships will allow local authorities to agree a new set of standards for bus services.<\/p>\n

Including branding, ticketing, and how often buses run.<\/p>\n

Passengers want to know when their next bus is going to turn up.<\/p>\n

And how much it is going to cost.<\/p>\n

So the bill will mandate the release of fares, punctuality, routes, and real time bus location information.<\/p>\n

This will help the development of transport apps.<\/p>\n

As it has already in London, now right across the country.<\/p>\n

New journey planners, and other innovative products, to help passengers get the most out of buses.<\/p>\n

This is about delivering for customers, and empowering local communities.<\/p>\n

New powers to franchise services will be available to combined authorities with directly elected mayors.<\/p>\n

Just as they are in London.<\/p>\n

And private operators will be able to compete through the franchising system.<\/p>\n

Together these measures demonstrate government\u2019s ambition to deliver transport that helps the public to get around and get on.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Madam Deputy Speaker, the government has a record to be proud of.<\/p>\n

Investment. Up.<\/p>\n

Projects. Underway.<\/p>\n

Journeys. Getting easier.<\/p>\n

Backing growth, jobs, new technology.<\/p>\n

Helping local people get the homes and the infrastructure they need.<\/p>\n

Striking a fairer deal for local government.<\/p>\n

Giving devolution to local regions<\/p>\n

Making Britain a leader.<\/p>\n

A stronger economy is at the heart of the gracious speech, and transport infrastructure is playing its part.<\/p>\n

Note: political content has been removed from this speech.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin sets out the government\u2019s plans for transport and infrastructure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70718"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=70718"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70718\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=70718"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=70718"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=70718"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}