New rail minister Huw Merriman made his first public appearance in the role at the Railway Industry Association (RIA) conference in London on 10 November.
Speaking at the event, he said this was the job he always wanted to do. He was chair of the Transport Select Committee (TSC) where he challenged politicians on various issues but has since resigned from that role.
He said that the current government: “will always back our railways because whatever the national priorities, be economic growth, levelling up, or decarbonisation, or growing sustainable, the railway is part of the solution.”
The new minister told delegates: “I take responsibility for one of the most critical parts of national infrastructure. Rail is the connective tissue that improves lives and livelihoods. It boosts house building, and high streets. And it will help us combat climate change.”
The new minister described the pandemic as the “the very worst period in history” adding that the way the rail industry supported the country was “nothing short of heroic.”
He said: “Now, as today’s theme makes clear, we’re in a period of transition. And I understand you want that period to be as short as possible to get certainty on the industry’s future direction. Believe me, my department wants that certainty, too.
“So my priority is to get the details I need to start making some decisions, to unblock the delays to policy and publication to resolve the political issues causing those delays.”
He said statistics showed why there is a need to get this right and get it right quickly. “Rail supports 100,000s of jobs and contributes billions of pounds to the wider economy. But rail cannot operate in a vacuum. The economic climate is challenging and the government must balance helping people and businesses confront the rising cost of living with a commitment to fiscal responsibility. That inevitably means tough decisions. Only then can we stabilise our economy, reverse rampant inflation and create the conditions for growth.”
Despite this, he said, the government had continued to support the railways, claiming more than £16 billion had been earmarked since the start of the pandemic which protected thousands of jobs whilst at the same time keeping people and goods moving. He said that level of support was the equivalent of £600 per household and added that is now unsustainable.
“Rail, like all parts of the economy must now earn the right to grow at a time when savings are being sought. It must demonstrate a high value return on investment, that it can deliver value for money for the taxpayer, maintain momentum on decarbonisation, and attract new customers through a transformation of services.”
Regarding efficiency he said he wanted to see a strong pipeline of future rail projects. “I know that certainty around those projects, drives your investment decisions.
“But the economic climate, the state of the industry’s finances and sluggish passenger demand is making it difficult. I know that’s frustrating for you. But I don’t want to stand here today, promising you jam tomorrow. I want to be honest and transparent about what we can and what we will achieve.
“Rail enhancements which are affordable, which serve new post-pandemic travel patterns and which improve the passenger experience will be given the green light. I also want to see further emphasis on freight. Working that out will take time, but I want to give you clarity soon.
“Importantly, those future decisions will depend on the success of the current rail programme. That programme is moving forward with billions of pounds of enhancements across the network programmes like access for all. And the completion of the Elizabeth line in London shows this government is committed to building a railway fit for everyone and fit for the future. And we do remain committed to the Integrated Rail Plan.”
He said work is already underway on upgrades to the trans-Pennine route, the Midland main line and digital signalling. “These represent an opportunity for the industry to learn the lessons from previous infrastructure projects to deliver a pace and time and budget and to make the strongest possible business case for future funding.”
He said the same rigour needs to be brought to decarbonising the industry. “Despite carrying nine per cent of passenger traffic pre-Covid, only 1.5 per cent of transport emissions was down to rail. Positive numbers, yes, but there’s still more to do.” He claimed more than 2,700 pure diesel passenger trains remain on the network as well as many more diesel bi-mode and diesel freight trains.
“Electrification will be key to a diesel free railway by 2040 and a net zero network by 2050. Whilst we should be proud of our progress, with 1,200 miles of track electrified since 2010, clearly there are barriers slowing us down.”
He referred to a comment he made at the TSC about how a kilometre of electrified track can cost up to four times as much to deliver in the UK as it does in Germany. “I want to work with you to put this right,” he said. “On those parts of the network where electrification isn’t viable. We will continue to explore alternatives, building on the great work already done with battery and hydrogen power.”
He also spoke about rail transformation. “One constant is the diagnosis from Keith Williams in the plan for rail. To attract passengers with flexible ticketing and better, more reliable services, to grow freight and put it at the heart of our network, to end fragmentation of track and train in the interest of passengers, freight and taxpayers and to modernise how we maintain and upgrade the railways and in the process, ensuring the safety of your staff.
“Even without legislation, we are making progress, combining the political appetite for reform with the energy and innovation of the private sector. I intend to nurture that partnership as we build the modern sustainable railway this country needs and deserves.” He rounded off his speech by saying: “My job will be to champion this great industry, making the case that even during challenging economic times, rail is one of the best returns on investment that taxpayers can ever make. And our surest ways we’re stronger, better and greener economic future is through rail.”
Image credit: Railway Industry Association
