Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of soil moisture deficit on the resilience of railway infrastructure in England.

Soil moisture deficit is a recognised climate-related risk that can affect railway infrastructure in areas with susceptible ground conditions. Network Rail continually monitors asset performance and weather-related trends to inform maintenance, operational and investment decisions across the network.

Following prolonged hot weather and drought conditions in summer 2026, a temporary timetable was introduced to minimise disruption and maintain safe and reliable services. Since its introduction between Salisbury and Exeter St Davids on 10 August 2026, the Southern Region has experienced some of the driest conditions ever recorded on Britain's railway network, highlighting the importance of continuing monitoring and management of these risks.