Politicians from across the political spectrum have backed a Chronicle and Journal campaign urging the Government to review its decision to scrap funding for dualling the A1 in Northumberland. Labour MPs in the county have been joined by group leaders from the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and independents in supporting the call.
Recent crashes prompt renewed calls for action
The campaign launched last week follows recent crashes that killed six people in three separate accidents within weeks. Official figures show more than 50 fatalities and nearly 300 serious injuries on the A1 in Northumberland over the last 20 years, with almost all incidents occurring on single-carriageway stretches.
Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery said: “The dualling of the A1 in that area has been promised by successive Government on numerous occasions. But it hasn’t been delivered and now we’re seeing the retaliation of that, which is that this region is paying for it, sadly, in fatalities. That just isn’t acceptable.”
MPs and council leaders unite across parties
Emma Foody, MP for Cramlington and Killingworth, also sent support. North Northumberland MP David Smith said: “I have always wanted dualling in the long-term and my short-term focus has been on securing sensible safety improvements from Morpeth to Berwick. We need and deserve both. Now we’ve got some initial improvements secured we can turn our attention to getting the much larger investment the road ultimately needs. I want dualling to be part of the conversation for the sake and safety of my constituents and all who use this major road.”
The previous Government did not upgrade the road during its 14 years in office, despite pledging to do so. The current Government cancelled the scheme altogether shortly after the 2024 General Election, citing poor value for taxpayers' money.
Council leaders demand political unity
Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council Glen Sanderson has been leading efforts to get dualling back on the Westminster agenda. He is backed by council group leaders Scott Dickinson (Labour), Isabel Hunter (Liberal Democrat), Martin Swinbank (Green), and Malcolm Robinson (Independent Group).
Coun Hunter, a long-time campaigner for better safety on the A1, said: “The dualling of the A1 is something I have been campaigning for years. As a regular user of the A1 I know of the dangers and have witnessed drivers overtaking where possibly they should not overtake, which is possible due to frustration. Too many families are losing loved ones, whilst others are suffering life changing injuries. I believe politics should be taken out of the campaigning and lobbying. We all need to work together and put pressure on central Government to fund the works required to dual the A1 right up to the Scottish border.”
Coun Robinson added: “Whilst safety is a huge part of the reasoning there are also economic and societal benefits to consider too. It seems strange that successive Governments have invested so much into reducing travelling times, measured in minutes, from Birmingham to London whilst ignoring the mounting fatalities we endure up here. On what is the principle North East coast road link between Scotland and England? One would seem essentially less important than the other.”
A petition has been launched calling on the Government to dual the A1, available at change.org.
