Modernising the Railways 2022-10-13
2022-10-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP notes the need for railway reform following the consequences of COVID-19 and strikes.
What recent assessment has been made of the potential merits of modernising the railways given the lasting impact of COVDI-19 on passenger numbers and revenue, as well as the impact of strikes?
The Government will ensure we have a modern railway, fit for the 21st century, that meets customers' needs, supports growth and decarbonisation, harnesses the best of the private sector and connects our communities.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The MP opened the new disabled access ramp at Accrington station and inquired about further bids for Church, Oswaldtwistle, and Rushden stations.
Can you confirm that these bids will be looked on favourably? To modernise our railway stations, we need to make sure that everybody can use them.
The Department recently received 309 nominations for the next round of Access for All, including Rushden and Oswaldtwistle, and I look to announce the successful stations next year.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The MP inquired about the timetable slip for GB Railways' relocation outside of London.
We are waiting to hear what is happening with the headquarters of GB Railways and the relocation outside of London, because the timetable has slipped. When will he say when he is planning to announce where that new headquarters will be?
We will confirm our intentions around announcing the location of the headquarters shortly.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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The MP has received concerns from constituents over Southeastern's December timetable changes on the Bexleyheath and Sidcup lines.
Will the rail Minister meet me again to discuss these concerns and Southeastern's lack of consultation?
We may have a meeting scheduled, at which I look forward to exploring these issues further with him.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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The MP inquired about the lack of step-free access at Leuchars train station and the decision-making process for funding announcements.
Can he provide clarity on who is the final decision maker?
Accessibility is a reserved matter; the UK Government will announce the successful stations. We look at usage, how inaccessible a station is, and the type of facilities it provides to make decisions.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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The MP inquired about modernising stations across Cannock Chase to ensure they are accessible for everyone.
Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss how we can modernise stations across Cannock Chase?
I recognise the representations that my right hon. Friend makes, and I will be happy to meet her. We have agreed on improvements for over 100 more accessible step-free routes.
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Q7
Direct Answer
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The MP inquired about the UK Government's stance on fully devolving Network Rail.
When will the UK Government fully devolve Network Rail so that Scotland's railway is fully under the control of Scotland's Government?
It remains a reserved matter as we believe in an integrated rail network and infrastructure across Great Britain.
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The previous Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, announced the launch of Great British Railways last year with significant investment from local communities. However, there are now reports that this initiative is being scrapped.
I welcome the new ministerial team to their place. To address the failure of privatisation and fragmentation, just last year the Secretary of State's predecessor announced the launch of Great British Railways. There were promotional videos with Michael Portillo and a nationwide campaign to host the new headquarters, with towns and cities investing enormous time, effort and money in their bids. But now we hear that the whole thing is being scrapped and will not be included in the transport Bill. Can the Minister confirm: has Great British Railways been stopped in its tracks?
We are taking forward an ambitious programme to reform our railways. We look forward to confirming the position on the Great British Railways headquarters in the very near future.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific status and future of Great British Railways was not directly confirmed or denied.
We Are Taking Forward An Ambitious Programme To Reform Our Railways.
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Q9
Partial Answer
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The Scottish Trades Union Congress general secretary recently commented on the differences in approach between Scotland's rail system and that of the UK, highlighting a desire to resolve workforce disputes.
I welcome the new Minister to his place. I often talk favourably about Scotland's record on rail modernisation as we actually get on and modernise infrastructure while down here the Tories focus on pushing the sector to “modernise”—to cut the workforce's terms and conditions. Following similar comments from the Scottish Trades Union Congress general secretary at the weekend, Mick Lynch of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers said yesterday that in Scotland we have an attitude of wanting to resolve workforce disputes, whereas down here the Government want to exacerbate them for political reasons. Has this new team at the helm asked Network Rail and the train operating companies to get round the table and properly negotiate with freedom? If not, why not?
My right hon. Friend the Transport Secretary has met leading members of the unions, but we are not the employer in this dispute. It is important that the unions sit down, stop striking and get on with coming to a deal that is fair not just for workers but for taxpayers, who have put £16 billion into supporting our railways over the last couple of years.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request to negotiate properly was not directly addressed; instead, emphasis was placed on unions sitting down and stopping strikes.
We Are Not The Employer In This Dispute.
Response accuracy