Speaking in a dedicated railway restoration debate on Tuesday, Dr Neil Hudson MP banged the drum for Cumbrian people who face inadequate rail connections.
The Penrith MP highlighted a host of Cumbrian issues at one of the highest levels of Government, calling for action on reopening the Penrith to Keswick line, extending the Borders Railway through Longtown to Carlisle, and reopening Gilsland Station. These links would strengthen the economy, widen access to education and stave off rural isolation - all combining to show that the Conservative Government's levelling up agenda is providing for rural businesses and communities.
Dr Hudson also pointed to a holistic approach that not only looks forward with new connection but improves upon existing rail infrastructure. As such he reiterated his calls for Avanti West Coast to be held to account over their unacceptably poor service.
The Penrith MP has worked closely with Conservative colleagues in Cumbria and Northumberland and beyond to boost railway connections and get the county moving.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP, said:
"As I said in Parliament, we have a host of great opportunities to boost rail connection in Cumbria and thereby create economic, educational and social opportunities for everyone. Opportunities we need to see action on.
"Reopening the Penrith to Keswick line, extending the Borders Railway through Longtown to Carlisle and opening Gilsland Station are all achievable aims that I will continue to fight for in Westminster and closer to home. The time for action on railways is now to get Cumbria connected and improve lives"
Dr Hudson has put improving both physical and digital connectivity at the heart of his Westminster campaigning. Due to the nature of his vast and sparsely populated Penrith constituency, Dr Hudson believes better links will not only connect people but boost the economy, stave off rural isolation and spark a range of social and business opportunities.
He has already worked on the £1 billion A66 upgrade, the £108 million Cumbrian broadband rollout and helped rural youngsters get to college through buses and bursary schemes.
See Dr Hudson's previous action on local rail issues:
- Avanti West Coast: www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/parliament-dr-neil-hudson-calls-avanti-west-coasts-poor-and-unreliable-service-improve-or-face
- Borders Railway: www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/dr-neil-hudson-mp-welcomes-borders-railway-extension-talks-progressing
- Gilsland Station: www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/railways-minister-gives-backing-campaign-re-open-gilsland-railway-station
