Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, further to the No10 press release entitled PM meets mayors in drive to get Britain building and take on blockers, of 3 June 2026, what steps she is taking to ensure that commuter and suburban train services outside Greater London are not downgraded.

The Government is committed to improving rail services for passengers across the country and requires operators to plan services and timetables that are designed to meet expected passenger demand and provide value for money for the taxpayer. The Railways Bill will create a more locally focused railway, ensuring that Mayoral Strategic Authorities are consulted by Great British Railways (GBR), can form partnerships with GBR, and that GBR has regard to their Local Transport Plans.

Establishing GBR as the single directing mind gives us the opportunity to go further with optimising train services and driving up utilisation. In doing so, GBR will be subject to statutory duties, including a duty to promote the interests of users and potential users of railway passenger services. The closures regime under the Railways Act 2005 will also remain in place, preventing lines or stations from undergoing full closure without due process, including roles for the Secretary of State, Office of Rail and Road, and Scottish and Welsh Ministers where relevant over these important decisions.