At Prime Minister's Questions, Martin raised the importance of greater rail connectivity for northern Lincolnshire with David Cameron.
Martin welcomed the Government's intentions for improved northern rail connectivity through the future HS3 project, which would see major northern cities linked through a new high speed line. Martin also highlighted the importance of the South TransPennine Express route between Cleethorpes and Manchester Airport, the future franchise details of which are currently being considered by the Department for Transport; the south Transpennine route is of particular importance, not only for the tourism industry in Cleethorpes, but also for future regional growth following the approval of Able UK's Humber Marine Energy Park.
Martin also urged the Prime Minister to ensure that in addition to the HS3 announcements, future rail connectivity plans for the north will include northern Lincolnshire so that the area can benefit from improvements in the country's economy.
Martin said:
"HS3 and other improvements to rail connectivity in the north-west are important, but the recent parliamentary approval given to the Able UK development in northern Lincolnshire emphasises the importance of connections on the south trans-Pennine route between Cleethorpes and Manchester. Will my right hon. Friend assure me that my constituency and northern Lincolnshire will figure in future proposals to improve connectivity, so that the area can benefit from the Government’s long-term economic plan?"
The Prime Minister responded:
"I certainly assure my hon. Friend that we are looking at all the elements of east-west connectivity and trying to make sure that we bring the benefits of faster journey times, greater capacity and electrification to all parts of the country. I know the Chancellor was listening very carefully to the statement he made."