Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what processes he used to develop and prioritise the five strategic objectives for the Whole Industry Strategic Plan.

In developing the five long-term strategic objectives for rail that are part of our Whole Industry Strategic Plan, a wide range of methods and processes were used, including but not limited to drawing on existing Government policy, examining the recommendations of previous independent rail reports, evidence-based analysis of long-term trends affecting the future of the railway, and targeted engagement with experts on the future of the rail industry. The strategic objectives are presented in no particular order of prioritisation, and through our public call for evidence we hope to receive useful additional views from interested parties about how the railway can contribute to the long-term priorities of the country.