Written questions by Davies.

With reference to the press release entitled Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment, of 17 February 2026, whether that announcement forms part of the transport funding from the Spending Review.

At least £445 million has been set aside for rail improvements in Wales as part of the 2025 Spending Review and Infrastructure Strategy.This investment marks the beginning of a long-term UK Government commitment, announced by the Prime Minister, to modernise Welsh railways.The Prime Minister has pledged that the UK Government will collaborate with the Welsh Government to deliver all the projects outlined in Transport for Wales’ vision for rail across Wales and the Borders as quickly as possible.Further UK Government funding allocations beyond the £445m already announced, will be confirmed at future Spending Reviews.

With reference to the press release entitled Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment, of 17 February 2026, what funding source is being used; and whether those funds are from existing Department for Transport allocations.

The Prime Minister has made a generational UK Government commitment to modernise Welsh rail. Following the 2025 Spending Review, this work is already underway supported by the following funding sources:DfT Rail Network Enhancements PipelineThe Levelling Up FundThe Cardiff Capital Region City DealThe North Wales Growth DealWelsh Government Transport BudgetsPrivate-sector funding contributions Further UK Government funding allocations will be confirmed at future Spending Reviews, leveraging further contributions from local partners and private sector investment, to deliver all the projects outlined in Transport for Wales’ vision for rail across Wales and the Borders as quickly as possible.

With reference to the press release entitled Prime Minister announces seven new stations and major rail funding commitment, of 17 February 2026, how much her Department is contributing to the rail infrastructure projects in Wales by financial year.

The 2025 Spending Review allocated £302 million from the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP) for rail enhancement investment in Wales, directly overseen by the Department for Transport. This forms part of the overall £445 million set aside for rail improvements in Wales as part of the Spending Review and Infrastructure Strategy.The £302m RNEP funding will be distributed over financial years 2026/27 to 2029/30, with annual budgets currently being finalised in collaboration with the rail industry in Wales. Further UK Government funding allocations will be confirmed at future Spending Reviews.

How does the Department plan to monitor and improve passenger satisfaction following recent timetable changes in East Grinstead and Uckfield Constituency.

The December timetable change, which saw an increase in off-peak services between East Grinstead and London Victoria, is an example of the train operator planning services to meet passenger demand.The Department regularly monitors passenger satisfaction and holds operators and Network Rail accountable for improvements to passenger satisfaction in East Grinstead and Uckfield.

What steps are being taken to ensure adequate staffing levels on GTR services during peak commuting hours.

Officials regularly engage with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to monitor staffing levels, including resources needed for peak commuting hours. All operators submit traincrew resourcing plans covering issues such as recruitment and training plans. The Department has supported GTR’s ongoing Thameslink driver recruitment programme, which will increase driver numbers by nearly 100.

What assessment has the Department made of trends in seasonal variations in train reliability in the East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency, particularly during winter months.

The performance of the rail network is affected by the weather throughout the year. This is reflected both in actual performance and the targets the department sets train operators.Operators are expected to mitigate the impacts of seasonal variations and Govia Thameslink Railway operates a winter preparedness plan to respond to specific challenges in the East Grinstead and Uckfield area.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of Gatwick Runway expansion for the economic contribution of the airport to the East Grinstead and Uckfield Constituency.

On 21 September 2025 the Transport Secretary gave approval for Gatwick Airport’s application for a Development Consent Order to expand its operations through routine use of its existing northern runway.The Transport Secretary’s consideration of the application for the development including impacts arising from it are set out in her decision letter of 21 September 2025 which is available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

What assessment has she made of the potential impact of Gatwick Runway expansion on the local economy and the need for workers accommodation in a) the build stage and b) on the operation of the new runway.

On 21 September 2025 the Transport Secretary gave approval for Gatwick Airport’s application for a Development Consent Order to expand its operations through routine use of its existing northern runway.The Transport Secretary’s consideration of the application for the development including impacts arising from it are set out in her decision letter of 21 September 2025 which is available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of Gatwick Runway expansion on levels of emissions in the East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency.

On 21 September 2025 the Transport Secretary gave approval for Gatwick Airport’s application for a Development Consent Order to expand its operations through routine use of its existing northern runway.The Transport Secretary’s consideration of the application for the development including impacts arising from it are set out in her decision letter of 21 September 2025 which is available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of Gatwick Runway expansion on noise levels in the East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency.

On 21 September 2025 the Transport Secretary gave approval for Gatwick Airport’s application for a Development Consent Order to expand its operations through routine use of its existing northern runway.The Transport Secretary’s consideration of the application for the development including impacts arising from it are set out in her decision letter of 21 September 2025 which is available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

What the timetable is for upgrading rail infrastructure on the Uckfield line.

A Strategic Outline Business Case was developed by Network Rail in 2021 which considered the potential benefits of upgrading rail infrastructure on the Uckfield line. This assessment concluded that the scheme would have positive impacts on train service performance and reliability, together with wider economic benefits. The scheme was paused by the previous government following Spending Review 2021; no development work has taken place since that point. The Hon Member also may wish to contact Network Rail for information on their plans to maintain and renew rail infrastructure on the Uckfield line.

How much funding was (a) allocated and (b) spent on railways in Wales between 2010 and 2024 by fiscal period.

The table below shows the UK Government funded expenditure on operations, maintenance, renewal and enhancement of railways in Wales for each financial year, noting that we do not have data for the financial year 2010/2011. Financial Year11/1212/1313/1414/1515/1616/1717/1818/1919/2020/2121/2222/2323/24£million230249318307388508502551460414434521525 Spending on railways in Wales by the Welsh Government, including continuing subsidy for rail services operated by Transport for Wales is not included, nor is payment made by the Department in respect of services that Transport for Wales operates wholly within England.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the electrification of the train line between Uckfield and Hurst Green on train reliability.

A Strategic Outline Business Case was developed by Network Rail in 2021 which considered the potential benefits of electrifying the line between Hurst Green and Uckfield. This assessment concluded that the scheme would have positive impacts on train service performance and reliability, together with wider economic benefits. The scheme was paused by the previous government following Spending Review 2021; no development work has taken place since that point.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the electrification of the train line between Uckfield and Hurst Green on passenger service.

A Strategic Outline Business Case was developed by Network Rail in 2021 which considered the potential benefits of electrifying the line between Hurst Green and Uckfield. This assessment concluded that the scheme would have positive impacts on train service performance and reliability, together with wider economic benefits. The scheme was paused by the previous government following Spending Review 2021; no development work has taken place since that point.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the electrification of the train line between Uckfield and Hurst Green on economic growth in Sussex.

A Strategic Outline Business Case was developed by Network Rail in 2021 which considered the potential benefits of electrifying the line between Hurst Green and Uckfield. This assessment concluded that the scheme would have positive impacts on train service performance and reliability, together with wider economic benefits. The scheme was paused by the previous government following Spending Review 2021; no development work has taken place since that point.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of running the Class 171 diesel fleet of trains on the line between Uckfield and Hurst Green on the environment.

The Secretary of State has not made a specific assessment of the environmental impact of operating diesel trains on the Uckfield branch line.  As the line is not electrified, it is a matter for the operator to ensure that they meet the needs of customers by deploying the appropriate rolling stock to deliver train services while reducing environmental impacts wherever possible.