Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Passenger Railway Services

Thursday 12 February 2026 · 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

  • Rail performance is improving after a decade of decline, with focus on five key areas: timetable resilience, staffing, and safe movement during disruptions.
  • The Minister acknowledges the Bath and Wiltshire metro scheme and the Devizes gateway project, though there are no current plans to implement them.
  • Dave Robertson is encouraged to write to the Minister with detailed proposals for the south Staffordshire line to reconnect Lichfield to Burton via Alrewas.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Brian Mathew Lib Dem Melksham and Devizes
Transport
Context

Rail performance has been declining for a decade, prompting the question about steps to improve railway services.

Question

What steps she is taking to improve railway services for passengers. Rail performance is improving following a decade of decline. The government is working with the rail industry on a performance restoration framework focusing on five areas: timetable resilience, staffing, and keeping trains moving during disruptive events.

Answer from Keir Mather

Rail performance is improving following a decade of decline. We are working with the rail industry on a performance restoration framework, focusing on five areas: timetable resilience, staffing, and keeping trains safely moving during disruptive events.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, No Specific Plans

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Q2 Brian Mathew Lib Dem Melksham and Devizes
Transport
Context

Network Rail's Wiltshire strategic study identifies a clear case for upgrading the railway through Melksham to unlock hourly passenger service and boost economic growth.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer. Network Rail's Wiltshire strategic study identifies a clear strategic and economic case for upgrading the railway through Melksham, with a new passing loop unlocking capacity for an hourly passenger service, increased freight movements and improved network resilience when other lines are closed. The study also highlights how the proposed gateway station would deliver economic growth for Devizes and boost connectivity for towns and villages along the Kennet valley.

Answer from Keir Mather

I thank the hon. Member for his important question. I am aware of both the Bath and Wiltshire metro scheme and the Devizes gateway project. While there are currently no specific plans to deliver on those aspirations, we would encourage both him and local stakeholders, including local authorities, Great Western Rail and Network Rail to continue to work together to develop those plans, including sourcing funding opportunities.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, No Specific Plans

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Q3 Dave Robertson Lab Lichfield
Transport
Context

People across Lichfield, Burntwood, and surrounding villages are eager for improved rail services, including the potential merits of a station to serve the National Memorial Arboretum.

Question

People across Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages are overjoyed that this Government are investing in the midlands rail hub project, but they are eager for more. Will the departmental team look again at the south Staffordshire line, which would reconnect Lichfield to Burton via Alrewas, and the potential merits of a station to serve the National Memorial Arboretum?

Answer from Keir Mather

My hon. Friend continues to robustly defend the interests of his constituents to have the rail services that they deserve. If he writes to me with the detail of those proposals, I will ensure that the Rail Minister gives him a fulsome response.

Partly answered

How: Needs Further Investigation

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