At Prime Minister’s Questions today, Michael Fabricant raised the need for the Lichfield to Burton rail line to be reinstated for passenger traffic to provide a service to the National Memorial Arboretum and  “I also rather cheekily slipped in the Council’s bid for funding for the urgently needed new leisure centre in the City” says Michael.

Firstly, the Prime Minister responded to the written question: “What recent discussions he has had with the Mayor of the West Midlands on the economy of that region.”

He answered: “Our priorities are growth, investing in public services, and giving businesses the confidence they need to invest. I look forward to discussing these with the Mayor of the West Midlands.”

Michael then said: “When the Prime Minister recently visited the National Memorial Arboretum, he was slightly late! But I don’t blame him, because he had to come by congested roads.

“My friend the Mayor of the West Midlands is supporting an extension of the Cross-City Line from Birmingham, using an existing freight line, to make it into a rail service to the National Memorial Arboretum and beyond.

“So may I ask my Rt Hon Friend, will he re-visit the National Memorial Arboretum again, see the Armed Forces Memorial and the proposed station, and also come to Lichfield and see why we urgently need a leisure centre?”

Rishi Sunak replied: “I’d be delighted to come and visit the National Memorial Arboretum again, see my friend and the fantastic Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, to discuss their plans to drive growth and opportunity in the region.”