Transport Select Committee Chair meets UK railway suppliers in Derby to debate rail funding and Brexit

Lilian Greenwood MP, Chair of the UK Parliament Transport Select Committee, met with rail sector suppliers today in Derby to discuss rail funding and Brexit related issues. At a roundtable meeting specially organised by the Railway Industry Association, the trade body for UK railway suppliers, she urged rail companies to submit evidences by the deadline of 18 December, ahead of the Committee’s Inquiry into rail infrastructure investment.

She also discussed:

• How the Midlands can secure the benefits of HS2, particularly for communities not on
• the route;
• Improving interconnectivity between cities and areas in the Midlands;
• The effect of Brexit on rail suppliers and the opportunities and challenges to employers
• in the region; and
• The role of electrification and bimodal trains in improving journey times and passenger
• experience.

Greenwood heard from a range of businesses from the area, including both major multinationals and SMEs, on how stop-start rail funding caused by the Control Period structure was putting at risk jobs, investment and the ability of small companies in the sector to survive. The Inquiry is looking at how the Control Period structure can be amended to avoid ‘boom and bust’ cycles as well as issues like regional rail funding and securing greater private investment in the railways.

Responding, Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association, said: “It was great to be in Derby today for the RIA Midlands Roundtable, discussing crucial issues such as rail funding and Brexit with the Chair of the Transport Select Committee, a cross-party representation of politicians, including MPs and representatives from Derby City and Derbyshire County Councils, the CBI, Network Rail, Midlands Connect, Rail Forum East Midlands and of course our fantastic member rail suppliers.

“Smoothing the funding pipeline and ensuring our members are geared up for the opportunities and challenges of Brexit are key to a successful future for the sector. And events such as the Midlands Roundtable today are key to teasing out the issues and actions required to deliver a successful and growing world-class railway system in the years to come.”