Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to improve the (a) number and (b) quality of rail services in the South East.

We constantly strive to improve the quality of rail services across all franchises. We expect the next South Eastern franchise to include a modern fleet of trains with more space for passengers, more reliable journeys, and improved customer service, including communication during disruption.

The Secretary of State wishes for the next franchise to signal a new approach to rail franchising, including through the formation of an alliance with Network Rail, building on the positive steps made by the current operator.