Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Richard Tice Excerpts
Thursday 16th July 2026

(3 weeks, 6 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Richard Tice Portrait Richard Tice (Boston and Skegness) (Reform)
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East Midlands Railway has cut replacement bus services on a stand-by basis when there is not sufficient railway capacity in peak season. I am concerned that that is because it is deliberately cutting any form of expenditure before going over to Great British Railways. Will Ministers work with me to ensure that this is not the case through the busy summer period?

Heidi Alexander Portrait Heidi Alexander
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It is obviously the case that adequate replacement bus services should be available to rail travellers if there is disruption on the line—for example, if engineering works are taking place. I would be happy to follow up if the hon. Gentleman writes to me and provides more detail on the specific experience that he has had. East Midlands Railway is responding to the Bedford train crash that happened a number of weeks ago, and I thank the leadership of that organisation for all the work that they are doing in response.