Oral Answers to Questions

Jim Shannon Excerpts
Thursday 20th November 2025

(1 day, 6 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Keir Mather Portrait Keir Mather
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I am very pleased to hear that my hon. Friend’s constituents are benefiting from contactless payment, but he is right to urge us to go further in ensuring that GBR improves passenger experience and delivers on the priorities of the travelling public. We are committed to improving ticketing further through expanding pay-as-you-go beyond the stations at which it is already in use. Through the long-term rail strategy and its general duties, GBR will be incentivised to support innovation and deliver for passengers right across the country, including in Harlow.

Jim Shannon Portrait Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
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I use the railways every Monday, Thursday and on other days in the week. The things that passengers look for, as well as those I talk to who come over here from Northern Ireland, are price, punctuality, space and comfort. Can the Minister assure us that those things are central to the Government’s obligation to the passenger? Let me add another factor. When it comes to safety, sometimes pedestrians stray on to the tracks, thereby holding up the trains. What is being done to ensure that security is taken into account?

Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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I think that is slightly off the question. Minister, do you want to have a go at it?