Committee to hear from Rail Minister and Network Rail on Strikes Bill
The Transport Committee will question Rail Minister Huw Merriman in its third evidence session examining minimum service levels for rail. The Minister will give evidence after MPs also question representatives from Network Rail and the Office of Rail and Road.
Meeting details
The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill was introduced into Parliament in January 2023 and the Committee launched its inquiry in February. If passed, the Bill would allow the Secretary of State to make regulations setting out minimum service requirements during strikes across a range of sectors, including transport. Unions and workers would have to comply or face losing protection against being sued or dismissed while striking.
In the first panel of witnesses, MPs will question representatives from Network Rail and the Office of Rail and Road. The cross-party Committee will focus on how a minimum service level might be set, what steps may be necessary to deliver it safely, and what the witnesses understand their organisations’ role to be in the process.
MPs will hear from the Rail Minister and a senior DfT official in the second panel. Questions will cover how minimum service levels might work in practice, what passengers should expect of a minimum service level and next steps in the process now the DfT’s consultation has closed.