Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the answer of 27 April 2026 to Question 127540 on Network Rail: Public Relations, whether the (a) Office of Rail and Road, (b) Great British Railways and (c) DFT Operator hires external (i) public relations and (ii) public affairs support.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is an independent regulator and decisions about the use of external support is a matter for its Board.

ORR uses external support where necessary to supplement internal capability and ensure effective delivery of its statutory functions. This has included the use of external expertise in public affairs where additional specialist support or capacity has been required. ORR has not used external public relations support. The Board keeps the use of external support under review to ensure it provides appropriate value for money, follows civil service procurement rules, and aligns with ORR’s priorities.

DFT Operator does not hire PR or Public Affairs firms.

Great British Railways does not yet exist.