Member

We want this work to continue and that is why the GBR licence policy document published in May includes a requirement to maintain an environmental policy. That would include managing habitats and woodland, controlling invasive species and developing nature-based solutions. I also reassure noble Lords that, properly done, this can reduce the long-term railway costs by avoiding tree felling, through planting controllable species, for example. I confirm to the noble Baroness, Lady Willis, that Network Rail reports its performance against its biodiversity action plan to the ORR and this will continue under GBR. The ORR, as the enforcer of the licence, would be able to step in if it became dissatisfied.