Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to adapt the rail network to take account of (a) long-term changes in weather patterns and (b) increased incidences of extreme weather.

Extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent as a result of climate change. 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.

Network Rail’s resilience taskforce was established in 2022 and is being led by independent experts. Their recommendations to improve weather resilience on the network are already being put into effect, including renewed investment in Network Rail’s capability and use of weather data and technology, upskilling of its workforce and competencies, and improving inspections and examinations of earthworks and drainage assets.

The Department for Transport is developing a transport adaptation strategy taking a holistic approach to addressing the transport-related risks in the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment.