The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has responded to the result of the 2024 General Election, with a statement from Chief Executive Darren Caplan.
In his statement, Darren Caplan said: “On behalf of the Railway Industry Association I would like to congratulate new Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party on the General Election result.
“Labour’s Plan for Rail, published earlier in the year, is clear that the railways are crucial for delivering UK economic growth. Labour has pledged to bring forward a strong pipeline of work for the rail supply sector and to develop a long-term industrial strategy for rolling stock.”
RIA’s Chief Executive had previously called for the former Conservative Government to provide greater detail regarding its plans for CP7, urging it to publish a more detailed plan setting out its vision for Network North, the Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands and the Rail Enhancements Pipeline.
RIA will now look to work with the new Government to deliver on the five-point RIA manifesto, published last month.
The manifesto makes five asks of the new Government:
- Publish a long-term rail strategy that plans for growth
- Deliver on industry reform
- Accelerate new train orders and low carbon network upgrades
- Support a sustainable supply chain
- Leverage private investment
RIA also set out its priorities for the first 100 days of the new Government.
Darren Caplan continued: “RIA and our members now look forward to working with the new Government to achieve its goals for rail. With passenger growth returning strongly, and as we seek a fresh start for the UK railway industry, we urge the new Government to deliver on our and our members’ five main RIA Manifesto asks.
“We wish the new Government well on its ambitious transport agenda, and specifically its plans for rail, in the coming months and years.”
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