Hull North MP Diana Johnson has called for action to improve transport links to Hull for 2017 UK City of Culture, including the axing of Humber Bridge tolls.
Diana Johnson MP asked in the House of Commons: "The Leader of the House will be delighted to know that the "Rough Guide" has put Hull in the top 10 cities of the world to visit, alongside Vancouver and Amsterdam. I can see that he is delighted by that given the comments that he is making to the Government Chief Whip.
"On that basis, can we please have a statement from the Minister responsible for local growth and the 'Northern Powerhouse', the hon. Member for Stockton South, in order to discuss how to improve transport links to a global city and the UK city of culture 2017, including electrifying the railway lines and scrapping the tolls on the Humber bridge?"
The Leader of the House of Commons Chris Grayling replied: "First, let me congratulate the hon. Lady and all the people of Hull on a remarkable achievement. It is always a matter of pride to this country when one of our great cities receives worldwide acclamation.
"We can all be proud of Hull's achievement. We should also be proud of Hull's preparations for the city of culture year. It promises to be a great year for the city. I know that my colleagues in different parts of the Government will do what they can to help ensure that, for the people and the authorities in Hull, it is a moment of great historic importance and great enjoyment.
Speaking afterwards, Diana Johnson MP added: "When the decision was taken in in 2011 to halve Humber Bridge tolls in 2012, we did not know that five years later no progress would have been made on rail electrification or the A63 road upgrade for Hull.
"Neither did we know that in 2013 Hull would be awarded the UK City of Culture for 2017 and be regarded as one of the top then cities to visit in the World.
"All of these developments make it all the more important to look at measures that can be introduced relatively quickly that will help Hull's year as UK City of Culture. Axing Humber Bridge tolls is one idea that could help even if it's done just for 2017 itself."