East West Rail

On Thursday, Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, visited North East Bedfordshire to look at some of the challenging topography of the East West Rail route and meet with parish and Borough Councillors and representatives from BFARe.

This week, the National Audit Office (NAO) announced that it would be launching an investigation into the East West Rail (EWR) project. Richard met and wrote to the NAO earlier this year, asking them to look into EWR. Richard's letter can be read here and the NAO's reply can be read here. 

Ahead of his Westminster Hall debate on East West Rail on Tuesday afternoon, Richard was interviewed on BBC 3 Counties Radio about his disappointment on the recent route announcement and the further confusion it has created for residents.

Following East West Rail's recent alignment announcement, Richard met with representatives from affected Parish Councils, Bedford Borough Council, local campaign groups and the newly elected Bedford Mayor.

Richard Fuller MP said:

Last week Richard appeared on the Roberto Perrone show on BBC Three Counties Radio to discuss the East West Rail route announcement. The interview can be heard here.

Richard Fuller MP said:

On Friday, East West Rail published its chosen route.

Richard Fuller MP said:

Disappointingly it leaves a lot of questions still up in the air about freight, about the financial case and whether it will be powered by diesel or not.

Last week, Richard visited Rectory Farm in his constituency.

Speaking after the visit, Richard Fuller MP said:

I am grateful to Helen at Rectory Farm near St Neots for inviting me to visit her farm.

On Friday, Richard met with the new Mayor of Bedford, Tom Wootton. 

Speaking afterwards, Richard Fuller MP said:

Tom Wootton and I are united in our opposition to the plans of East West Rail that are so environmentally damaging and lack a coherent business case for taxpayers.

Following Richard's question on East West Rail in Parliament on Tuesday, which can be watched here,  Richard met with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen, on Wednesday.

Speaking after the meeting, Richard Fuller MP said:

On Tuesday, during Treasury Question in Parliament, Richard asked the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to meet with him to discuss East West Rail.

The question and the Minister's reply can be watched here.

Speaking after the exchange, Richard Fuller MP said: