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Thameslink Train Services
25 February 2025
Lead MP
Blake Stephenson
Mid Bedfordshire
Con
Responding Minister
Simon Lightwood
Tags
Transport
Word Count: 3545
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Blake Stephenson raised concerns about thameslink train services in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Blake Stephenson calls for sufficient drivers to ensure services run as advertised, better emergency routes home via taxis and buses, especially in rural communities, and improved step-free access at Harlington and Flitwick stations.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
About 1.5 million passengers use Harlington and Flitwick stations in Mid Bedfordshire each year to meet friends, go shopping and take advantage of everything London has to offer. However, the service is unreliable with overcrowded carriages, cancellations, and delays; 80% of respondents had been impacted by a cancellation in the past month, and 88% had experienced a delay of more than 10 minutes.
Hitchin
Strathern agrees with Stephenson about securing sufficient drivers for the line and putting passengers at the heart of rail operations, highlighting that Thameslink cannot consistently put on advertised services due to a lack of drivers.
Chris Bloore
Lab
Redditch
The fragmentation of the network has failed not only passengers but also businesses looking to invest in constituencies such as Redditch, highlighting the importance of improved services for business relocation and investment.
Chris Hinchliff
Lab
North East Hertfordshire
Commuters in Ashwell are experiencing unreliability and high fares, affecting their ability to access work and education. The MP asks what steps will be taken to improve these issues.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon commends Stephenson's work for disabled people who use trains regularly and emphasizes the need for step-free access right across the country, not just in Mid Bedfordshire.
Government Response
Simon Lightwood
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
The Government recognise the crucial role of rail networks in supporting economic development. They are addressing performance issues on Thameslink by improving train crew availability, upgrading infrastructure, and focusing on a unified railway system to put passengers first. The Minister confirms that the Department will continue to closely review Thameslink’s progress for sustained recovery and improved service reliability.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.