Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jo White and Keir Mather

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Jo White (Bassetlaw) (Lab)]

I refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests showing that, last summer, Hull Trains paid for 32 teenagers to travel to London to attend my parliamentary summer school.

This time last year, I was advocating for more connectivity for my constituents by backing the application from Hull Trains for a service between Sheffield and London King’s Cross via Worksop and Retford. Despite my disappointment at the refusal, I am keen that companies such as Hull Trains continue to make open access bids. How will Great British Railways ensure independent oversight, and what resources will the Office of Rail and Road be given to guarantee transparency and independence in the decision-making process?

[Keir Mather]

GBR will have responsibility for ensuring that it has the capacity to run services that are paid for by the British taxpayer and that it is tasked to operate. Outside that, it will decide on the best use of the network. Open access can play a vibrant role in that system, which could include services from my hon. Friend’s constituency.