Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, What discussions she has had with Network Rail on undertaking the full review of operations on the West Coast Main Line South recommended in paragraph 30 of the Office of Rail and Road’s track access decision letter regarding the WSMR, proposed line from Wrexham to London, of 8 October 2026; and what timetable she expects for that review.

The Department respects the Office of Rail and Road's decision regarding the Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway application to operate Open Access services between Wrexham General and London Euston.

As set out in the decision letter, it is for Network Rail and the wider industry to consider whether to undertake a review of operations on the southern section of the West Coast Main Line. Bringing passenger services into public ownership and the creation of Great British Railways will provide an opportunity for a more integrated approach to future timetable planning, including on the West Coast Main Line, with the aim of making best use of available capacity while maintaining network performance and resilience. Avanti West Coast passenger operations will return to the public sector in March 2027 and we expect Network Rail and the DfT Operator, working with wider industry, to seize the opportunity to review the timetable and operation of trains on the West Coast Main Line.