House of Commons · Westminster Hall
06 February 2025 · 9 other contributors · 9,635 words
Opened by Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Responding minister: Simon Lightwood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Martin Vickers raised concerns about rail services: open access operators in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I urge the Minister to address the reasons why direct services cannot be established from Brigg and Immingham constituency and wider northern Lincolnshire area to London and other key cities. I also ask for consideration of modular platform extensions which are proving to be much cheaper than the previously mentioned £15 million to £20 million estimate.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The east coast main line has seen the establishment of three privately owned open access inter-city operators competing with LNER. The statistics reflect that on many fronts, indicating a successful model. However, towns such as Grimsby, Cleethorpes and intermediate stations have not yet been reached by open access operators, despite efforts to establish services since 2011.
The hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby congratulated the lead MP on securing this important debate and highlighted the need for continued encouragement of open access inter-city services across the country. Talked about the potential for open access to step in where there are gaps in rail services, supporting GBR's efforts to ensure high customer standards and operational performance.
Supported open access intercity train competition, highlighting its benefits such as lower fares and increased innovation. Nationalisation of Southwestern Railway may threaten open access services, which are vital for constituents' travel to London. The Minister should assure that nationalisation will not stifle open access operators.
Rural communities face similar issues with lost direct services, highlighting the need for a quick process for operators' applications.
Argued that small towns should not lose rail connectivity in favour of larger hubs, supporting the benefits of open access operators.
Celebrated the successes of open access agreements in Newcastle, noting that Lumo has generated £480 million in economic benefits since 2021. She also highlighted a growth in east coast main line usage by 18%. Discussed the Leamside line and expressed enthusiasm for public ownership and GBR. Raised concerns about ORR's decision-making speed and new services for Cleethorpes and Grimsby.
Supported the need for better rail connectivity and raised the point about modular platform extensions as a more cost-effective solution. The hon. Member for Great Grimsby welcomed the Italian rail system and suggested that quick decision-making by the regulator is crucial to enabling direct services from Cleethorpes to King’s Cross. Discussed international comparisons with other rail networks in Europe, noting differences that make direct comparison difficult. Raised the potential for open access to offer choice to passengers.
Expressed concern over the future of open access services in light of the Secretary of State's letter to ORR, asking for assurances from the Minister on this issue.
Emphasised the importance of direct services for economic growth and cheaper rail prices for commuters.
Campaigning for decades to restore train service from Grimsby and Cleethorpes to London via Market Rasen, criticising excuses given by the government. Raised issues regarding the timetabling, financial, operational, and infrastructure challenges faced by operators seeking to provide new services.
Government Response
Simon LightwoodThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Hull Trains demonstrates the benefits of private sector investment in rail, but congestion and revenue abstraction from existing operators must be balanced. The Secretary of State wrote to the Office of Rail and Road on January 6th regarding new open access applications. The minister clarified the Government's stance on open access rail services, stating that while there are challenges such as potential revenue abstraction and operational complexity, the door remains open for new applications. She emphasised the need to balance socioeconomic benefits with financial sustainability and stressed no intention of removing open access operators from the network. The Minister also mentioned a forthcoming consultation on proposed railways legislation.