Penrith and Solway MP Markus Campbell-Savours has joined the growing number of political figures calling for government to commit to the dualling of the A66 that despite receiving approval under the previous conservative government was thrown into doubt as the Labour government launched its spending review placing the finances required to deliver the project into doubt.
The Penrith MP raised the A66 dualling project with the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Parliament and asked for reassurance that the north of England and Cumbria would see the investment it deserves:
Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway said:
“Mr Speaker, on Thursday, I am grateful to have secured an adjournment debate on the A66 Road Improvement Project, a key transport link between Cumbria, the North East and North Yorkshire. Cumbria is a long way from Westminster, and many of us fear that the economic case for major projects is stacked in favour of the economically active south-east. Can the Chancellor reassure me that Cumbria will not be disadvantaged when key public spending decisions are taken?”
In response, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, replied:
“I thank my honourable friend for that question. He is a staunch defender of his constituency and also of his region. We’ll be making decisions at the Spending Review which we will publish on the 11th of June. But as a proud Northern MP myself, I am absolutely determined to ensure that the North gets its fair share of investment.”
The adjournment debate on the A66 Road Improvement Project, is underway now in Westminster I a largely empty chamber with Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron who's constituency includes a large section of the A66.
Lillian Greenwood MP and parliamentary under secretary for the department for transport said the decision on the A66 can not be taken separately and a final decision will be announced as part of the Spending review that will be announced on the 11th June.
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