Since being elected, Richard has been an advocate for his constituents, consistently voicing their concerns to East West Rail and Department for Transport ministers. He has also regularly raised these issues in the House of Commons, notably securing and speaking during debates in June 2021 and June 2023.
In May 2023, following the announcement of the East West Rail route, Richard publicly outlined his opposition to the plans in this video. The route announcement by East West Rail can be found here.
In the new Government's Budget in October 2024, it was confirmed that East West Rail would go ahead and that a new non-statutory consultation would open on 14 November. Richard's reaction can be read here. The consultation closed on 24 January 2025 and Richard's submission can be read here. Feedback from this consultation has yet to be published.
In the Chancellor's growth statement on 29 January 2025, she confirmed her backing for East West Rail and announced that the building of an East Coast Mainline Station at Tempsford would be expedited by 3-5 years and it would later join with the East West Rail line.
The proposed new section of railway between Bedford and Cambridge has been designated as a project of national significance. This means East West Rail will apply to the Secretary of State for Transport for a Development Consent Order (DCO), granting consent to build and operate the new railway.
A statutory consultation is expected to be held ahead of the DCO application. Please check back here for more updates.
See below for all of Richard's news on East West Rail.
