The recent battering from Storms Goretti and Ingrid served as a stark reminder of a long-standing issue: our region’s rail network is far too vulnerable. When the tracks at Dawlish are threatened or the line is submerged, the far South West doesn’t just face delays-it faces being completely cut off from the rest of the UK. That is why I recently joined my Labour colleagues from across Devon and Cornwall to meet with the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP. Together, we are demanding a comprehensive, Long-Term Rail Plan that moves beyond temporary fixes and delivers the resilient infrastructure our region deserves.
In a show of regional solidarity, I was proud to stand with Steve Race (Exeter), Anna Gelderd (South East Cornwall), Jayne Kirkham (Truro and Falmouth), Fred Thomas (Plymouth Moor View), and Noah Law (St Austell and Newquay). We delivered a clear message to the Government that our constituents cannot be left at the mercy of increasingly volatile weather. For too long, the far South West rail link has been left at the mercy of the elements, and these storms reminded us that without a dedicated Strategic Rail Plan, our local economies and communities remain at risk. We are coming together to ensure that Devon and Cornwall have a reliable, resilient railway that serves our people regardless of the weather.
Rail matters to the South West, and that is why I brought together this campaign to develop a long-term plan for the region. We need faster and more productive journeys that unlock house building and growth opportunities, protecting the vital links that support tourism, trade, and daily commuting for millions of residents. At our meeting, we specifically asked the Secretary of State to pull a team together to prepare a draft plan that protects the network for the future, ensuring the peninsula is no longer at risk during extreme weather events.
Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, highlighted that many of us have been personally affected by the issues at Dawlish during this winter storm season. These pressures are only going to become more difficult with climate change, which is why we raised these urgent concerns directly with the Secretary of State.
This critical meeting made good progress, and I will continue to demand that we get the right infrastructure in place to support our economy and ensure everyone in the far South West can access essential services without the fear of being left behind.