THE Prime Minster failed to answer questions about cuts to train services in Darlington after it was raised in Parliament.

Boris Johnson has been facing questions from MPs this afternoon during the weekly Prime Minister Questions session.

He failed to answer two questions from Darlington MP Peter Gibson, who raised the issue of cuts to LNER’s services in Darlington and asked for a commitment on the delivery of a Northern Relief Road for the town.

Plans for a new East Coast Mainline timetable have been described as a 'kick in the teeth' for the region after it was revealed Darlington would lose three trains per day to London.

The change is also set to half the frequency of trains between Newcastle and Manchester via Durham and Darlington.

Due to come into force in May 2022, the timetable will increase the number of trains between Newcastle and London from two to three trains per hour.

Addressing Mr Johnson, he said: “Can I thank my right honourable friend for all he is doing to level up our country.

“A rising tide must float all ships. And to that end will he commit to delivering the Northern Link Road for Darlington and will he further commit to helping stop LNER’s great train robbery of services from our station.

“And finally, does my right honourable friend agree with me that our levelling up agenda investing in the North should provide the people of Batley and Spen with great confidence as they go to the polls?”

Mr Johnson offered neither commitment but referred instead to Labour's response to the announcement that parts of the Treasury would be moved to Darlington and then offered his support to the Conservative candidate standing in the by-election for Batley and Spen, due to take place tomorrow.

Boris Johnson’s response in full:

 “It tells you all you need to know about our modern Labour party that when they heard that there was going to be economic campus in Darlington they called it giving up. That’s what the right honourable gentleman said.

“And he’s totally right to support Ryan Stephenson in his campaign for Batley and Spen tomorrow.

“I believe Ryan will offer a strong local voice for change and progress in Batley and Spen.”

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