Local Rail Services

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

Unions standing in the way of progress

Constituents are rightly furious with the state of our local rail services. Southern rail has been crippled again by strikes. Southeastern's services have deteriorated for existing passengers and those searching for a reliable alternative to Southern.

Huw questions Rail Unions in Transport Select Committee

Huw Merriman questioned Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF, Mick Cash, General Secretary, RMT, and Hugh Roberts, National Officer, Unite in the Transport Select Committee on Rail Safety in relation to the industrial action across the Southern network.  You can view his contributio