Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to his Department's white paper, entitled Levelling Up the United Kingdom, published 2 February 2022, what discussions his Department has had with local leaders on plans for the rail network in their respective regions.

The White Paper provides a clear plan to level up every corner of the UK, underpinned by 12 ambitious missions. These include that by 2030, local public transport connectivity across the country will be significantly closer to the standards of London, with improved services, simpler fares and integrated ticketing.

Matters relating to the future of the rail network are for the Department for Transport (DfT) and Ministers from DfT routinely engage with local authorities and metro mayors on issues relating to rail infrastructure. Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on GOV.UK.