Violence Against Women and Girls on Trains

Baroness Morgan of Cotes Excerpts

Monday 24th February 2025 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Morgan of Cotes]

To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the passing of the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024, what discussions the Department for Transport has had with the Home Office about the prevention of violence against women and girls on trains.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill) (Lab)]

My Lords, tackling violence against women and girls on the railway network is a priority for the department, with my honourable friend the Minister for Local Transport and officials meeting their counterparts in the Home Office regularly. These meetings have been to co-ordinate and develop plans for tackling violence against women and girls on public transport, including trains, which will be a significant contributor to the success of the safer streets mission, part of the Government’s plan for change.

[Baroness Morgan of Cotes (Non-Afl)]

I thank the Minister very much for his Answer. Will the forthcoming Bill relating to the creation of Great British Railways contain a clear statement of the Government’s responsibility after nationalisation for the prevention of violence against women and girls on trains? Does the Minister agree that the potential for violence against women and girls on our railways needs to be prevented by measures such as decent lighting and the better design of trains and stations, rather than being dealt with by the British Transport Police after the event?