Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has plans to reduce the presence of guards on trains.

The Government is committed to reforming outdated working practices and improving the operational and financial sustainability of the sector. Train operating companies as the employer can consider where roles can be more adaptable and flexible in future. The UK’s rail network is one of the safest in Europe and our commitment to safety will not change. We will never compromise the safety of passengers on our railways and as the industry takes forward reforms, safety remains a top priority for all parties.