Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what actions they are taking to reduce the number of suicides on the railways; what additional resources and measures, if any, they plan to introduce for the British Transport Police to minimise disruptions; and what additional training they plan to provide, if any, for railway employees.
The Department for Transport is committed to working with the rail industry to reduce the number of deaths by suicide. Each rail operator is responsible for delivering a suicide prevention plan and maintaining accreditation to the independently assessed Safeguarding on Rail Scheme.
Their plan must include training of public-facing staff in suicide prevention, putting in place mitigation measures at stations and promoting avenues of help for vulnerable people at risk of suicide or self-harm.
The British Transport Police works in collaboration with its partners to ensure incidents are managed swiftly and people are treated with dignity.
Network Rail has a long-standing relationship with The Samaritans and funds the ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ campaign. Since launching in 2017, the campaign has successfully raised awareness within railway stations and other public settings about the need to trust your instincts and start a simple conversation if you think someone might need help.