Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has held discussions with Network Rail on the steps they are taking to ensure the resilience of the rail network during (a) summer heatwaves, (b) heavy rainfall and (c) flooding.

Summer heatwaves, heavy rainfall and flooding are likely to become more frequent as a result of climate change. Network Rail and other transport infrastructure operators have been in discussions with DfT officials and Ministers regarding the importance of adapting to climate change, the action they are taking, and the Department’s plans for a transport adaptation strategy, including through the Weather Risk Task Force Steering Group.

The publication of the third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3) in July 2023 marks a step-change in the UK government’s approach to climate adaptation. In the NAP3, Network Rail committed to, amongst other actions, design regional adaptation pathway strategies by 2029.

In 2022 the Department for Transport published the High-Level Output Specification (HLOS) which outlines the Secretary of State’s objectives for Network Rail’s operation, maintenance and renewal of railway infrastructure between 2024 and 2029—tied to a record £44.1 billion funding settlement. The HLOS is clear that the rail network must be as resilient as reasonably possible to the effects of climate change and extreme weather.