Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) Wiltshire and (b) other rural counties are not deprioritised under the new decision-making framework proposed for Great British Railways.

Great British Railways (GBR) will be organised to work collaboratively with devolved leaders and local stakeholders and ensure rail services meet local needs.

All tiers of local government in England will benefit from empowered local GBR business units that are outward-facing and engage local authorities on their priorities and Local Transport Plans.

The Government supports greater involvement for devolved and local leaders as they know their areas best. Our proposals intend to balance GBR’s directing mind role with ensuring that devolved and local priorities are a significant consideration in its decision making.