Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has plans to use the 200th anniversary of the modern railway in 2025 to focus on the future skills required in the railway industry.

The 200 year anniversary is a nationally important moment to mark and celebrate. The DfT will work with the whole industry to make this a special event for workers and passengers alike. We are already working with the rail industry on future skills plans which will enable them to deliver a railway that is fit for the future. One of the commitments of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail is to create a new joined-up, cross sector training and skills offer which will support people at every career stage to develop skills and bring in experience from outside the rail sector.