Second Reading

In the House of Commons, a minister delivered a statement addressing the state of the UK's public transport system, particularly the railways. The minister acknowledged the views expressed by a fellow Member of Parliament, noting that they have a quasi-judicial role in determining the development consent order for a specific project, which is currently under consideration. The minister emphasized that national renewal requires a significant overhaul of the public transport system, starting with improving the performance of the railways and initiating reform. The minister stated that the railways are not fit for purpose, a sentiment they had expressed from the Opposition Benches to three previous Conservative Transport Secretaries. The minister welcomed the new Shadow Transport Secretary, the hon. Member for Faversham and Mid Kent, and noted that the three previous Transport Secretaries who sat on the same side of the House are no longer Members, though the minister was unsure whether it is the new Shadow Transport Secretary's job or their own that is "cursed." The minister criticized the lack of progress in railway reform, despite the promises made under three Conservative Transport Secretaries. The minister noted that some of the worst-performing operators were rewarded with new, lengthy contracts and handed performance bonuses, which the minister found concerning.