Committee hears from Rail Minister Huw Merriman
The Transport Committee questions the Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, in a regular scrutiny session on the work of the Department for Transport relating to rail services and infrastructure. This session marks Merriman’s fourth appearance before the Committee since his appointment in October 2022 and will cover all aspects of the Minister’s portfolio.
Meeting details
The cross-party Committee may explore the future of rail services in the North, including new management of TransPennine Express and the progress of Avanti West Coast’s improvement plan. Questions could also be asked about next steps for rail reform and the establishment of Great British Railways, the ongoing industrial dispute between rail unions and train operating companies and the Integrated Rail Plan.
MPs may focus on recent Office of Rail and Road (ORR) figures showing rail punctuality worsening across all operators except the Elizabeth line, and why rail operator performance is getting worse.
Last month, the Committee heard strong criticism of HS2 Ltd’s communication with local communities, including councillors, residents and landowners. MPs may ask how HS2 will improve its community relations.