Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of Network Rail effectiveness in working with members of the Rail Delivery Group to deliver value for money across the network; and if he will make a statement.

Network Rail and Rail Delivery Group have been working together extremely effectively, particularly as we navigate our way through the pandemic. However, the extraordinary challenge facing the railway and its fragmented nature makes it more vital than ever that we simplify the system together under an accountable guiding mind. The Government will publish a White Paper with its plans for rail reform once the course of the pandemic becomes clearer.