Local Rail Services

Huw on commute

As a daily commuter to Parliament, the state of our railway personally impacts me as well so I want to assure constituents that I not only understand but I experience it too and have done so for the last fifteen years as a season-ticket holder.  

I have a real passion for rail. It regenerates areas, connects us with our nation and pushes new frontiers. Having spent 7 years on the Transport Select Committee, the last two as Chairman, I've had a great insight into rail. I appreciate the problems we face and the people who can address them.

I am delighted to have been appointed Minister of State at the Department for Transport by the Prime Minister, with responsibility for Rail and HS2 in October 2022. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges this new role brings and remain focussed on ensuring that rail services, both local and national, deliver for communities and business.

 

 

News

MP visit signals successful station refurbishment

The refurbishment of Battle railway station, considered to be one of the finest buildings of its type in the country, has been given the seal of approval by Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle. The project, undertaken on behalf of Southeastern, saw the conservation team at Canterbury-based Clag

Transport Select Committee: Update with the Rail Minister Andrew Jones

In this week’s Transport Select Committee, Rail Minister Andrew Jones MP and Director General of the Rail Group Polly Payne gave evidence on rail issues including rail franchising, rail fares and compensation schemes and accessibility of train stations. Huw asked the Minister about delays in the ra

Huw urges Transport Minister to simplify rail franchising process

Amid news that the South-Eastern railway franchise award will be delayed, Huw spoke in Parliament of the complex, expensive and often litigious process of rail franchising. He expressed disappointed at the delay on behalf of his constituents and asked the Transport Minister whether there would be o

Getting a better deal from public transport

New Year ushers in the latest annual rail fare increase. At just over 3%, and pegged to inflation, this year’s increase is lower than many from the previous 20 years but will rightly be greeted by frustration from passengers who have received a poor service over the last year.

Listen: Huw speaks on rail issues on BBC Radio 4

Huw was invited to speak on rail issues on the BBC Radio PM programme this weekend. Huw spoke of his own frustrations with dealing with rail companies both as a commuter and as a member of the Transport Committee in Parliament.

Local MP Campaigns for East Sussex Infrastructure Improvements

East Sussex MP, Huw Merriman, urged the Chancellor to deliver more investment in East Sussex in the House of Commons today. Making his pitch to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Chamber, Mr Merriman explained that, “In rural and coastal parts of East Sussex, it is improvements in infrastructur