Charlie Dewhirst

Charlie Dewhirst

Conservative — Bridlington and The Wolds

Speaking in the House of Commons on 9 December 2025

Debate

Railways Bill

Contribution

The east coast main line is a fantastic example of where privatisation has worked. Open access operators such as Hull Trains, Lumo and Grand Central are competing with the franchisee and keeping prices down and service levels up. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Bill does nothing to protect open access operators, and that there is a real danger that this centralised, Soviet-style monolith will squeeze them out in due course?

More from Charlie Dewhirst

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Charlie Dewhirst's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Charlie Dewhirst report card.