Chris Heaton-Harris - transport minister

[whole diary]

[grahame]

Chris Heaton-Harris took break from constituency business to travel to Paddington today to address the GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) Stakeholder's conference.



I was fortunate to be there - as were at least five other members, all of whom are encouraged to add their comments.

Personally, I felt that most of his speech focused on how well and far forward we have come so far this decade, with only a small glimpse forward to the future.  We are, though, told that he will be granting a derogation to allow class 143 units to be used beyond the end of the year, and to expect a white paper as the outcome of the Williams review before the end of the year - sooner if other pressing matters allow.   Questions invited him to look towards further electrification, but while he seemed keen to embrace the lower carbon agenda, he indicated that he was aware of his civil servant minders in the audience and should not make any commitment.

Further posts on the day planned over the weekend; not been home since Monday and on my way now.