Joe Morris MP has welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment to re-examine funding for the dualling of the A1 in Northumberland. Andy Burnham showed a willingness to reconsider the scheme during a visit to Newcastle, prompting delight from the Labour MP.
Prime Minister's Pledge on A1 Upgrade
When asked about the issue during his visit to Newcastle on Wednesday, Mr Burnham said he would work with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to seek an "alternative way" to fund the upgrade. He added that he would not "conveniently forget" the long-debated problems which local people have campaigned about for decades.
MP's Response to Funding Review
Reacting to this, Joe Morris MP said: "After consistent campaigning and pressure from myself and David Smith, I am delighted that Andy Burnham has announced plans to re-examine funding for the A1 dualling scheme."
"People in Northumberland have been waiting for decades to see this vital infrastructure improved, and I'm happy that the Prime Minister is doing what successive governments have failed to do. I'm glad to hear that Andy has listened to the calls from David Smith and me, along with Mayor Kim McGuinness, on this issue, and I look forward to seeing it resolved once and for all."
Campaign for Action
During his visit to the North East, the Prime Minister said: "I am one of those who comes up here a lot. I would be the first to say that the infrastructure that people have here is not fair in terms of the lack of transport infrastructure. The A1 is an issue that I am not going to conveniently forget because I am now in the position I am in."
"I have said to Kim we will make devolution work in a way that is right for people in the North East, there is more power coming to the North East of England, that is a commitment and No 10 North will be driving these changes with Kim. For instance, on that issue, looking to see if there is an alternative way we can put a funding package together."
The petition, which has 3,736 signatures at the time of writing, appeals to the Government to urgently re-examine the case for dualling the A1 in Northumberland. It says recent tragedies have made the long-standing issue more urgent than ever.
