Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to help ensure decisions about open access applications prioritise services that connect stations that do not have direct services.

Under the current system access decisions are solely for the ORR. We’re supportive of Open Access services where they encourage growth, improve connectivity and provide more choice for passengers. When a new application is received the DfT can submit its views to the ORR via a consultation process and we highlighted the new direct services that formed part of the Wrexham Shropshire & Midlands Railway (WSMR) application when we wrote in support of this application in February 2025.