House of Commons · Urgent Question
09 December 2025 · 20 other contributors
Opened by Mike Thompson Con Cheadle
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Mike Thompson raised concerns about railways bill 2025-12-09 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm that the Adoption Fund, crucial for supporting vulnerable children and families, will continue to receive full funding in the upcoming financial year? Concerns have been raised about potential cuts following recent government announcements on budgetary constraints.
Question
What assurances can be given that local authorities will not face significant delays in accessing these funds, particularly for time-sensitive adoption cases?
Minister reply
The Government is committed to ensuring swift disbursement of Adoption Fund monies. We have established a streamlined process for applications and are working closely with local authorities to address any issues promptly.
Question
Can the Minister provide more detail on how the £50 million will be distributed between different types of adoption services, such as post-adoption support?
Minister reply
The funding allocation is designed to cover a range of services, including direct financial assistance for placements and ongoing support. Specific details on distribution are being finalised but will ensure comprehensive coverage across all relevant areas.
Question
In response to the shadow Secretary of State's concerns about modernisation and efficiency, does he agree that the model proposed under this Government has seen improvements in train deployment compared to previous models?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman talks about trains sitting unused before being brought into public ownership, which led to greater delays despite promises made by his own party.
Question
Will the Secretary of State address the issues with Reddish South station in Stockport constituency, where only one train a week serves the area and which has seen an increase in housing over recent years? Additionally, will she support calls for step-free access at local stations, such as Brinnington, Heaton Chapel, and Reddish South?
Minister reply
Not specified in this snippet
Question
The east coast main line is a fantastic example of where privatisation has worked. Open access operators such as Hull Trains, Lumo and Grand Central are competing with the franchisee and keeping prices down and service levels up. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Bill does nothing to protect open access operators, and that there is a real danger that this centralised, Soviet-style monolith will squeeze them out in due course?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; time after time I cannot get a straight answer from Ministers about whether they will support open access.
Question
The Bill is about putting passengers, workers and the national interest back at the heart of our railways. How will the Government ensure that rail staff are adequately protected in terms of employment conditions, pensions, benefits and staffing levels on stations?
Minister reply
There is currently no reference in the Bill to staffing; there will be no Great British Railways without those staff and all the protections and assurances they need.
Question
My constituents repeatedly tell me that they want reliability and affordability above all. Can you confirm if there are mechanisms in place to hold operators accountable for service delivery?
Minister reply
I very much hope that the Bill will give us the opportunity to improve that level of service.
Question
Supporting and improving our train services is a vital part of delivering my mission for my constituents. The Chertsey to Addlestone branch line, one of South Western Railway’s worst-performing lines, impacts the education of local children who are often late to school due to delays.
Question
The renationalisation of our rail services will create more opportunities for growth and investment, providing a modern railway system for the public good. Bracknell is already seeing benefits such as upgrades to fleet on the Reading to Waterloo line.
Question
The current structure of the rail industry is too fragmented and in need of reform. We need a modern, customer-focused railway rather than over-centralisation that rarely leads to better outcomes for passengers.
Question
The revival of the railway system must be innovative and practical. We need a railway that is better governed, locally attuned and responsive to support growth in every region.
Question
Raises concerns about the north-south transport divide and past cancellations on the Penistone line. Asks for long-term decisions in the national interest.
Minister reply
Government commits to phase 1 of the Penistone line upgrades (£48 million investment) and welcomes local support through partnerships.
Question
Highlights the need for improvements in Lichfield's rail service, including restoring services to Burton and Derby.
Minister reply
Committed to investment in Midlands Rail Hub (£900 million) and supporting public control through GBR.
Question
Questions the costs of rail privatisation, citing legal disputes over bird strikes.
Minister reply
Promises a new approach under GBR for better service and public control, acknowledging historical costs.
Question
Supports the long-term rail strategy and improved accessibility for disabled passengers.
Minister reply
Commits to a strategic approach over 30 years, focusing on delivering better passenger services.
Question
On the specific point of answering our questions, can he give us clarity on accountability? Where does accountability lie? Where will we as Members of Parliament see accountability for the actions of Ministers and mayors?
Minister reply
I carefully noted what the right hon. Lady said in her speech. I will come to accountability, and if she thinks that I do not cover her point, she is welcome to come in again.
Question
Would the Minister be open to amendments to the Bill looking again at the balance between GBR's power and open access operators?
Minister reply
While I appreciate the passion for Hull Trains, the provisions in the Bill are sufficient to ensure that open access continues. The ORR will regulate to ensure fair treatment.
Question
How can a Member of Parliament hold an elected mayor accountable for decisions regarding rail infrastructure within their constituency?
Minister reply
MPs will be able to hold mayors accountable through the passenger watchdog and other regulatory bodies ensuring oversight and accountability.
Question
Will the Minister commit to a duty to grow passenger numbers as suggested in the reasoned amendment?
Minister reply
GBR is inherently focused on facilitating railway use by many. The Government will work strategically towards this without causing congestion.
Government Response
I can confirm that £50 million has been allocated for the Adoption Fund in 2025-26. The fund remains a cornerstone of our efforts to support vulnerable children and families, providing essential financial backing for local authorities and adoption agencies across England. We recognise the importance of this initiative and will continue to prioritise it within the context of broader fiscal challenges.