Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he is taking steps to ensure that local stakeholders in Wiltshire will have a role in shaping the (a) 30-year strategic plan and (b) five-year business plans proposed for Great British Railways.

In its role as the ‘directing mind’, Great British Railways (GBR) will bring track and train together and plan services on a whole-system basis, to better deliver for passengers, taxpayers, and freight customers, and to unlock growth. This will include working closely with devolved leaders and local partners, drawing on their experiences and expertise.

As set out in Getting Britain Moving, the Government intends that all Local Transport Authorities, including Wiltshire, will benefit from empowered local GBR business units that will engage local authorities on their priorities and Local Transport Plans, and seek to ensure the railway plays its part in delivering them where possible. This will include working with sub-national transport bodies on matters of wider regional interest.

The Secretary of State will engage with key stakeholders as the Long-Term Rail Strategy is developed and GBR will engage with stakeholders as it develops its plans to translate the strategy into operational decisions.