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Question
Mr Mills questioned whether the Government's plans would improve punctuality and reliability, given that some newly nationalised train operators have seen delays increase. He also raised concerns about how open access operators will be affected by these reforms.
Minister reply
Ms Haigh responded by emphasising the progress made under her government’s leadership in improving railway performance. She noted positive changes at Southeastern and Euston station, but acknowledged that there is still work to be done. Ms Haigh stated that the Government will continue to support open access operators and ensure their needs are considered.
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Question
Mr Gwynne inquired about the cost implications of replacing rolling stock with more modern trains. He also asked whether the Government would consult on new franchise arrangements before implementing them.
Minister reply
Ms Haigh responded by outlining her government’s commitment to investing in rolling stock and improving railway infrastructure. She stated that consultation will be conducted with industry stakeholders, including unions and operators, to ensure a smooth transition.
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Question
Mr Graham raised concerns about the Government’s rail policy, asking whether it was driven by ideology or practicality. He also questioned how long it would take for private operators to be brought into public ownership.
Minister reply
Ms Haigh defended her government's approach as being pragmatic and focused on delivering improvements for passengers. She stated that the process of nationalising rail operators will occur in a timely manner, with full transparency and consultation.
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Question
The MP questioned the effectiveness of nationalisation, referencing performance statistics from TransPennine Express and other operators. He pointed out that private companies often perform better than those in public control and stressed that the Government’s measures could undermine successful open-access operators. He also raised concerns about the long-term plan for rolling stock under these reforms.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State responded by confirming workforce reform initiatives, including training policies, as part of the nationalisation package. She noted improvements in punctuality at TransPennine Express and emphasised that open access would continue where it does not abstract revenue from the overall network. The Minister also committed to publishing a long-term rolling stock plan.
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Question
The MP inquired about preparations being made to manage the increased workload resulting from nationalisation and the establishment of GBR.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed staffing up the operator of last resort and increasing departmental capabilities. She highlighted that under her administration, both the operator of last resort and the Department will be sufficiently staffed to ensure a smooth transition of franchises into public ownership.
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Question
The MP welcomed the statement but expressed concern over the level of performance improvements made. He asked about steps being taken to nationalise worst-performing private operators first, extending contracts for high-performing private companies, and provided an update on the Access for All programme.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed ongoing work with trade unions on productivity improvements. She acknowledged that some public TOCs have higher cancellation rates but noted these were already underperforming before nationalisation. The Secretary of State committed to integrating track and train operations under GBR, setting out the schedule for bringing private TOCs into public ownership post-Royal Assent. Accessibility was also discussed with a commitment to update on specific stations in the Access for All programme.
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Question
Acknowledges the praise for HS2 ending at Euston, but highlights delays on Crossrail in her constituency. Calls for action to reduce overcrowding and delays.
Minister reply
Refers to the order of new Elizabeth line trains, funded by a £485 million capital settlement awarded to the Mayor of London. The Department works closely with the Mayor to address these issues.
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Question
Raises concerns about performance statistics for the Birmingham to Hereford line by West Midlands Railways, requesting a meeting with representatives.
Minister reply
Agrees to seek meetings with West Midlands Trains’ representatives to address their poor service.
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Question
Asks about the 35% increase in temporary and emergency speed restrictions over seven years, questioning the Department's plans to maintain infrastructure.
Minister reply
Introduces Shadow Great British Railways to look at integration between operators and ensure efficient investment. Will cover maintenance work in the next control period.
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Question
Expresses dissatisfaction with Network Rail's handling of Oxford station upgrade, suggesting a meeting to improve services.
Minister reply
Agrees with the characterization of Network Rail’s inefficiency leading to its abolition. Offers to meet the hon. Member to discuss improvements.
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Question
Praises the Transport Secretary's emphasis on industrial relations, questioning why her government could resolve national strikes quickly when previous governments failed.
Minister reply
Asserts that the previous government provoked and prolonged the strike unnecessarily, while their settlement improved services for passengers.
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Question
Asks about Chiltern Railways' performance and overcrowding issues, requesting additional trains to resolve these challenges.
Minister reply
Acknowledges poor punctuality in Chiltern Railways last year and will review the rolling stock order.
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Question
Welcomes the end of national industrial disputes, asking about Great British Railways' governance framework and stakeholder engagement.
Minister reply
Confirms Derby as headquarters for GBR. Highlights involvement with stakeholders to put passengers at the heart of service development.
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Question
Raises issues about driver contracts in Great Western Railway affecting services, seeking plans for equalisation under GBR.
Minister reply
Acknowledges outdated terms and conditions across the railways and is working with GWR to address this issue.
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Question
Praises leadership in getting railways back on track, questioning HS2 cost management.
Minister reply
Addresses recent spending issues under HS2's previous leadership and resolves to bring Mark Wild for improved governance.
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Question
Expresses concerns about cancellations at Windermere and Oxenholme, requests a meeting with Northern Rail.
Minister reply
Acknowledges routine conversations with Northern Rail, facilitating rest day agreements to reduce driver cancellations.
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Question
Highlights the financial importance of rail services for Doncaster's economy, inquires about net cost of strike solutions.
Minister reply
Explains that strikes were costing £20 million daily and have now been resolved.
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Question
What lessons has the Secretary of State drawn from rail networks in other countries about rail performance and safety, given that many are now automated? Will she deal with the notorious Tisbury loop issue?
Minister reply
I will look into the issue for the right hon. Gentleman. It may be that the Rail Minister has to make himself a hero; I will ask him to meet the right hon. Gentleman to discuss the matter.
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Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree with HS2 apologising for its £100 million bat cave scheme? How can we ensure good taxpayer value for money as HS2 continues?
Minister reply
I was absolutely horrified to learn that there had been no routine ministerial oversight of HS2 for some time. We have established a cross-ministerial taskforce and commissioned a governance review, led by James Stewart, to oversee HS2’s costs.
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Question
GWR has been performing poorly with cancellations and delays. What will resolving the rest day working issue mean for constituents?
Minister reply
We are attempting to address the specific issue at Great Western Railway; as I say, we will come back to the House soon with an update on progress.
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Question
Can she outline any additional welcome improvements to services in the south-east?
Minister reply
We will see 44 additional trains per day from Southeastern, CrossCountry restored its full timetable today and new rolling stock will be procured.
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Question
Can she make herself an absolute hero in Spelthorne by getting it into the Oyster zone?
Minister reply
The Mayor of London is the owner of Transport for London, but we can absolutely work together to see whether anything of that nature can be achieved.
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Question
Will she meet me to discuss how we can push Thameslink to make delays and cancellations a thing of the past?
Minister reply
I am grateful for those comments. Govia Thameslink had an improvement of 3% in its cancellations on last year, but it is still falling behind on punctuality.
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Question
When will she bring forward proposals to nationalise the rolling stock companies?
Minister reply
We will continue the current arrangement whereby private finance is leveraged into rolling stock companies.
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Question
Does she agree that a modern railway system is an essential step in getting our economy growing?
Minister reply
I absolutely agree. For too long, passengers have not been able to rely on the railways.
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Question
Will the Minister outline any plans she has to connect constituents in rural areas to the railway?
Minister reply
We will be setting out a long-term infrastructure strategy in spring next year, working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
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Question
When will train services running through Leeds South West and Morley be improved?
Minister reply
LNER’s reliability has improved in the past year, but I am not naive and do not think we are there yet; these are only the green shoots of recovery.
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Question
When will constituents have confidence to go back to using the train rather than relying on an app?
Minister reply
We are working closely with them as a priority through the operator of last resort, not only to drive efficiencies, but crucially to drive performance.
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Question
My constituents in Calder Valley are also sick of the performance of Northern Rail. In July, the Department for Transport issued a breach of notice to Northern Rail, because of its underperformance. Northern Rail’s chief operating officer said that performance was “not good enough”. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that she will prioritise getting Northern Rail back on track?
Minister reply
We can hear from the House how much of an impact the levels of service on Northern Rail are having. Andy Burnham texts me every Monday about the performance on Northern trains, so I can assure my hon. Friend that it is a priority.
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Question
Earlier this year, Avanti West Coast services on the north Wales main line had on-the-day cancellations of more than 20%. Its timetable is yet to return to pre-covid standards, and there were no direct connections with London on Saturday. Given that the Avanti West Coast contract runs to 2026, what is the Secretary of State doing to ensure a reliable mainline service for the people of north Wales?
Minister reply
My views on Avanti’s performance are well known; it has not been acceptable. Avanti is on a remedial plan and we have seen small increases in punctuality but there is still a long way to go. We are watching over Avanti like a hawk.
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Question
I extend my thanks to the Secretary of State and the team for the early action they have taken to improve the reliability of the network. My constituents struggle with two lines, one being the Cumbrian coast line where there is a conductors’ dispute that adds to unreliability. I spend too much time on Avanti West Coast services where wi-fi is highly unreliable. Will the Secretary of State raise this issue when she meets Avanti representatives?
Minister reply
Wi-fi is part of passenger experience delivered through Great British Railways. We are in the process of attempting to facilitate an agreement with Northern on the conductor dispute and I will be happy to raise wi-fi issues with Avanti.
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Question
The GWR’s shocking Sunday service is a problem, but lack of carriages on trains home on weekdays is also an issue. What will the Secretary of State do to reassure me that GBR will solve that problem?
Minister reply
Fragmentation of the network means dozens of different types of rolling stock are not interoperable between operators. With Great British Railways and a long-term strategy, we can procure fewer types of trains and start to move them around when issues occur.
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Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement and particularly the sentiment about putting passengers first. The disruption from Old Oak Common works will be severe for those served by Great Western Railways, including down to Penzance in my constituency. Will the Secretary of State meet MPs worried about this disruption?
Minister reply
I am conscious of the disruption that will be experienced; we are putting in place plans so trains can come into Euston rather than Paddington but it is undeniable there will be substantial disruption during Old Oak Common works.
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Question
My train was late, but that would not actually be true. Finding a solution to the Isle of Wight ferries issue would result in a bronze statue on the seafront in Cowes. Does she agree that the Conservatives’ failed experiment with rail privatisation has caused passengers misery and cost millions? What will she do to make things better?
Minister reply
The new model will deliver not only better services for passengers but also a far better settlement for taxpayers who have been ripped off under the previous model.
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Question
I thank the Secretary of State very much for her statement. She has been clear that transparency for passengers will be achieved by displaying performance data. How do the Government intend to ensure that, as well as knowing whether their local line is not doing well, passengers know that their taxes are being used not simply to pay rail staff higher wages, but to get trains to reach their destinations in a time-effective and cost-effective way?
Minister reply
The purpose of displaying performance data at stations is to give passengers certainty and transparency about the state of the railways. Great British Railways will provide a single point of access for politicians and communities ensuring that the organisation is single-mindedly delivering for passengers.