Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Railway Capacity

Thursday 27 March 2025 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tom Gordon pays tribute to Brian Dunsby OBE for his work on improving railways, including a direct service from London to Harrogate.
  • Jacob Collier raises concerns about a lack of train services on Sundays in Uttoxeter due to Network Rail staffing issues.
  • Paul Kohler inquires about the delay in bringing new Arterio trains into service for South Western Railway, with only five out of ninety operational after six years.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Gordon Lib Dem Harrogate and Knaresborough
Transport
Context

Brian Dunsby OBE campaigned for improved rail services between London and Harrogate, highlighting single tracking issues on the Leeds to York line via Harrogate. This causes delays when one service is delayed.

Question

I pay tribute to Brian Dunsby OBE, who tirelessly campaigned for improving our railways including getting a direct service from London to Harrogate. The issue he raised was how the Leeds to York line becomes single tracked at Knaresborough, leading to delays and implications for running higher services levels. I am launching a campaign for dual tracking of the line between Knaresborough and York so that rail services are fit for purpose. Will the Secretary of State join me in this? Can she offer any advice on securing investment?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)

I express condolences on the loss of the rail campaigner and constituent mentioned. Network Rail is considering electrification schemes and potentially longer platform schemes in his constituency but recognises he is talking about dual tracking. I suggest seeking a meeting with the Rail Minister to discuss this in more detail.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on securing investment for dual tracking were not provided

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Q2 Jacob Collier Lab Burton and Uttoxeter
Transport
Context

Uttoxeter has limited Sunday service due to staffing issues in signal boxes. With a growing population, it is unacceptable that residents are left without transport for much of the day on Sundays.

Question

My constituents have no trains until 3 pm on Sundays due to long-standing Network Rail staffing issues in signal boxes. Given Uttoxeter’s growth, it is unacceptable that people lack transport options much of Sunday. Thanking the Minister for engagement so far, will the Secretary of State provide more information about improving reliability of train services?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)

We must have a seven-day railway where trains are as reliable on Sundays as Mondays. We work with train operating companies, including those serving his constituency, and will provide more information about specific actions in writing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No concrete details or timelines were provided for Sunday service improvements

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Q3 Paul Kohler Lib Dem Wimbledon
Transport
Context

South Western Railway ordered 90 new Arterio trains to increase capacity in 2017, but only five are operational six years later. Issues with lighting on platforms and CCTV cameras were cited as the reason.

Question

In 2017, South Western Railway ordered 90 new Arterio trains to boost capacity. With only five currently operational after six years and an empty one passing Wimbledon’s platform this morning, what steps will be taken with SWR in government hands from May to ensure these trains are brought into service?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)

The Rail Minister is seized with this issue and has spoken to me. It involves lighting on platforms, CCTV visibility, and the guard’s role. We are across the detail, and resolving these issues before public ownership in May.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No concrete timeline or steps provided for train entry into service

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