Written questions by Stephenson.

With reference to her Department's press release entitled New dawn for rail as South Western services return to public hands, published on 25 May 2025, what her plans are for operators who fail to meet the standard required to become part of Great British Railways.

Great British Railways will set a clear quality standard for our railways, so a world class public service can be rebuilt. Ministers intend to recover performance to acceptable levels at all operators, ensuring their leadership has a relentless focus on performance and rigorous standards, held to account by Ministers. The focus is on supporting and challenging train operating companies to reach the tough standards that we will set.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of producing Sustainable Aviation Fuels on (a) UK energy security and (b) carbon emissions.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is one of the key ways to decarbonise air travel. We have a comprehensive plan in place for SAF. We have set ambitious targets in the SAF Mandate, are providing grant funding to support investment in a UK SAF industry and are working to deliver a Revenue Certainty Mechanism.The Revenue Certainty Mechanism will encourage investment in the construction of SAF plants across the UK. Supporting domestic SAF production will ensure the UK is less reliant on imported SAF.Government analysis suggests that the use of SAF could deliver up to 54 million tonnes of net additional CO2 savings in the UK by 2040. We will continue to monitor the potential impacts of SAF as the technologies and our policies develop.There is nothing preventing the production of fuel from non-recyclable (‘black bin’) waste if this is determined, by local authorities or other waste producers, to be the best overall value for money and environmental outcome for such waste. The UK has a thriving competitive market for waste management services and new players are welcome to join the field. There are a range of recovery options - both established and emerging - available to waste handling operators, which will be selected according to market conditions and local needs, taking account of the waste hierarchy and the need to ensure the best available environmental outcome for the waste. We are working closely with Defra on this issue, including through the Circular Economy Taskforce.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of using black bin waste in (a) the production of sustainable aviation fuels and (b) the waste-to-energy process.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is one of the key ways to decarbonise air travel. We have a comprehensive plan in place for SAF. We have set ambitious targets in the SAF Mandate, are providing grant funding to support investment in a UK SAF industry and are working to deliver a Revenue Certainty Mechanism.The Revenue Certainty Mechanism will encourage investment in the construction of SAF plants across the UK. Supporting domestic SAF production will ensure the UK is less reliant on imported SAF.Government analysis suggests that the use of SAF could deliver up to 54 million tonnes of net additional CO2 savings in the UK by 2040. We will continue to monitor the potential impacts of SAF as the technologies and our policies develop.There is nothing preventing the production of fuel from non-recyclable (‘black bin’) waste if this is determined, by local authorities or other waste producers, to be the best overall value for money and environmental outcome for such waste. The UK has a thriving competitive market for waste management services and new players are welcome to join the field. There are a range of recovery options - both established and emerging - available to waste handling operators, which will be selected according to market conditions and local needs, taking account of the waste hierarchy and the need to ensure the best available environmental outcome for the waste. We are working closely with Defra on this issue, including through the Circular Economy Taskforce.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the use of sustainable aviation fuels on carbon emissions.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is one of the key ways to decarbonise air travel. We have a comprehensive plan in place for SAF. We have set ambitious targets in the SAF Mandate, are providing grant funding to support investment in a UK SAF industry and are working to deliver a Revenue Certainty Mechanism.The Revenue Certainty Mechanism will encourage investment in the construction of SAF plants across the UK. Supporting domestic SAF production will ensure the UK is less reliant on imported SAF.Government analysis suggests that the use of SAF could deliver up to 54 million tonnes of net additional CO2 savings in the UK by 2040. We will continue to monitor the potential impacts of SAF as the technologies and our policies develop.There is nothing preventing the production of fuel from non-recyclable (‘black bin’) waste if this is determined, by local authorities or other waste producers, to be the best overall value for money and environmental outcome for such waste. The UK has a thriving competitive market for waste management services and new players are welcome to join the field. There are a range of recovery options - both established and emerging - available to waste handling operators, which will be selected according to market conditions and local needs, taking account of the waste hierarchy and the need to ensure the best available environmental outcome for the waste. We are working closely with Defra on this issue, including through the Circular Economy Taskforce.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the new NaFRA flood zone data, published on 25 March 2025 on plans for an East West Rail station at Tempsford.

The new flood risk assessment (NaFRA) published by the Environment Agency in March 2025 is an improved service which now includes surface water data. EWR Co. is already considering the new NaFRA flood zone data in the development of all its plans, including at the new Tempsford Station. This data will be built on where needed, with more detailed bespoke models to ensure proposals appropriately manage flood risk to new infrastructure and surrounding communities.

Pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 46979 on Railways, what steps she plans to take to ensure that Great British Railways provides a more reliable system for passengers.

GBR will have the tools and operational independence it needs to plan and run the rail system on a long-term basis to deliver for passengers and freight. Most passengers will travel on GBR trains, running on GBR tracks, and working to a GBR timetable – all run by a single directing mind focused on delivering in the interests of users and providers of railway services, and the interests of the wider public. That will mean fewer delays and a simpler experience, which will provide a more reliable service for passengers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 46979 on Railways, what steps she plans to take to ensure that Great British Railways will have a relentless focus on passengers.

GBR will have a statutory duty to run the railway in the interest of passengers. It will have the tools and operational independence it needs to plan and run the rail system on a long-term basis to meet the needs of current and future passengers.

Pursuant to the Answer to Question 49562 on Railways, if she will publish the rail demand scenarios for Thameslink she has modelled.

The Department undertakes a range of detailed forecasts for the rail network under different scenarios and these are used for both financial planning and business case analysis. We do not routinely publish route or train operating company level forecasts.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of long waiting times for driving tests on social and economic mobility of young people in (a) Mid Bedfordshire and (b) other rural areas.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain. As acknowledged in the announcement regarding these measures, DVSA understands the potential impact high waiting times have on learner drivers, including younger drivers, and the importance of helping learners pass quickly. Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK. From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres that serve customers in Mid Bedfordshire, DVSA has recruited three new driving examiners (DE). DVSA will continue to recruit in the area and has begun its next recruitment campaign. Once the campaign has closed, DVSA will make offers to successful applicants. DVSA is committed to providing its customers, including those in rural areas, with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient.

Pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 46979 on Railways, what steps she plans to take to ensure that Great British Railways provides a more efficient system for passengers.

GBR will have the tools and operational independence it needs to plan and run the rail system on a long-term basis to deliver for passengers and freight. Most passengers will travel on GBR trains, running on GBR tracks, and working to a GBR timetable – all run by a single directing mind focused on delivering in the interests of users and providers of railway services, and the interests of the wider public. That will mean fewer delays and a simpler experience, which will provide a more efficient system for passengers.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of withdrawing the UK from the Aarhus Convention to enable damages to be sought from people who bring frivolous judicial reviews relating to road infrastructure projects.

The Government remains committed to protecting access to justice in environmental cases, while supporting the timely delivery of infrastructure projects under the Government’s Growth Mission. The issue of cost caps relating to Judicial Review in the planning context was considered by Lord Banner in his independent review published in October 2024. He did not recommend any change to the default cost caps in Aarhus cases. Judges already have the power to vary costs caps upwards or downwards according to the particular circumstances in a case. The MoJ published a call for evidence on Lord Banner’s recommendations on 28 October 2024, alongside the publication of his report by MHCLG. The call for evidence closed on 30 December. Some of Lord Banner’s recommendations have been taken into the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and will tighten the judicial review process to cut delays for major infrastructure projects and look to strike the right balance between improving efficiency and ensuring access to justice. The change will only allow one attempt at legal challenge, instead of three, for meritless claims and two for other claims. These changes will prevent meritless claims from holding up projects by exhausting the appeals process and will ensure legitimate legal challenges are heard promptly.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of naming the new station Wixams for Universal once the Universal UK theme park opens.

While the Department for Transport does not directly determine station names, it recognises the importance of names reflecting local identity and supporting wider community and economic objectives. Any proposals for naming will be considered by the rail industry (including consultation with local stakeholders) in due course.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of naming the East-West Rail station Stewartby for Universal once the Universal UK theme park opens.

Between November 2024 and January 2025 EWR Co. held a non-statutory consultation where they presented options for stations and services on the Marston Vale Line between Bletchley and Bedford; feedback from this is currently being considered. No decisions have been taken on names for potential stations on East West Rail at the current time.

If she will direct Great British Railways to promote local tourism (a) on trains and (b) at stations.

The Government recognises the importance of tourism to the national economy. Domestic tourism was one of the drivers of the expansion of the railway, bringing people to new destinations outside of their regions for the first time. The railway currently promotes tourism destinations extensively through its marketing, and we are confident that will continue under Great British Railways (GBR). Ahead of the establishment of GBR, Railway 200 is celebrating the UK’s rich rail heritage through a year-long programme of events. With many events across the country, the campaign is encouraging people to explore the country by train, supporting local tourism, boosting regional economies, and highlighting the enduring role of rail in connecting communities across Britain.

Whether she plans to allocate a multi-year funding settlement for (a) revenue and (b) capital to Great British Railways.

The recent consultation on reforming our railways proposed that the Secretary of State will be required to issue a High-Level Output Specification (HLOS) and Statement of Funds Available (SoFA) for GBR’s Infrastructure Operations, Maintenance and Renewals. GBR would be required to create a business plan in response to the HLOS and SoFA, setting out its proposed activity over the next 5 years. Passenger services and enhancements would continue to be funded through the spending review process when these occur. The consultation has now closed, and Government will publish a response in due course.

What estimate she has made of the amount of new rolling stock required to be purchased to deliver East West Rail services.

Work is ongoing to establish demand levels and the optimal Train Service Specification (TSS) between Oxford & Cambridge, this details the frequency and stopping pattern of the proposed services and rolling stock requirements. These factors continue to evolve and develop as East West Rail Company refines the proposals for the scheme which will be set out in a Statutory Consultation

With reference to the press release entitled Multi-billion pound investment secured as Universal theme park and resort set to be built in Bedford, published on 9 April 2025, if she will request that East West Rail add an additional station to their consolidated plan on the Marston Vale line.

East West Rail Company consulted on options for stations and services along the Marston Vale Line as part of its 2024 non-statutory consultation. It is now considering feedback to this as well as the recent Government announcement of a new Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire. Further details on serving Universal’s site will be presented at a future statutory consultation on East West Rail.

If she will make an estimate of the average impact of judicial reviews on the cost of road infrastructure projects between 2015 and 2025.

The impact of judicial reviews on the cost of road infrastructure projects will vary by scheme. National Highways has calculated that the increase in costs to its schemes, caused by legal challenges, is between £66 million and £121 million per scheme.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Zero Emissions Vehicle mandate on automotive manufacturing.

The Government recognises the importance of reviewing the impacts of this significant legislation. The Government has committed to publish reviews in 2027 and 2029 to assess the overall impact of the ZEV Mandate. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to increase the uptake of ZEVs, deliver green growth, protect and sustain UK manufacturing jobs, and provide confidence to infrastructure investors. This is especially important now as recent geopolitical challenges have created marked instability for the automotive sector. The Government has committed £2 billion through the Automotive Transformation Fund to help manufacturers make the switch to EVs, supporting manufacturing, giga factories, and supply chain alongside £320 million to support consumers through targeted grants and support for charging infrastructure.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 April 2025 to Question 44055 on Govia Thameslink Railway: Fares, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the annual increases in fares on service experience for passengers.

As much as we appreciate the impact of fares increases on passengers, we need to balance affordability for both passengers and taxpayers as we reform fares and deliver Great British Railways, ensuring everyone gets a fair deal. Delivering better quality services, and increased reliability of trains, alongside a clearer fares offer will ensure an enhanced passenger experience. A proportionate, annual increase in fares is necessary to support crucial investment and to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the railway.