Anne Marie will use the debate to argue that we must continue to invest in the current coastal line that runs through Starcross, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish and Newton Abbot. The debate will take place at 4pm on Wednesday 10th November in Westminster Hall.
Anne Marie said:
“The railway line connecting Exeter and Plymouth is of national importance and I am extremely fortunate to have the most idyllic stretch of it run through my constituency. Indeed, I would suggest the section of railway running between Starcross and Newton Abbot is one of the most beautiful train journeys that can be taken in Europe. I know the dramatic coastal scenery this railway line allows visitors to see as they travel through my constituency is a major attraction for many of the 5.3 million people who visit Devon each year.
Tourism is a fundamental part of the Devon economy and supporting towns such as Starcross, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot is essential if Devon is to remain a visitor hotspot. Equally as important however is ensuring we have appropriate public transport provision in place for the thousands of commuters, travellers and residents who use the line on a daily basis. Nearly 2 million journeys a year begin or end at the stations on the coastal section of the Exeter to Plymouth line alone each year and many more passengers pass through en-route to Exeter, Plymouth, Cornwall and London. Supporting investment in the line is therefore vital in order to ensure residents, businesses and tourists have good public transport access to places of work, interest and leisure.
I believe the future of rail travel in the South West has to involve the currently existing railway line between Exeter and Plymouth. Alternatives are costly and impractical. I relish the opportunity to put what I know to be an overwhelming case for continued investment in the Exeter to Plymouth line we have and I look forward to what promises to be an interesting and important debate.