South Western Rail APPG: Inaugural General Meeting and 2025 Work Plan

Will chaired the Inaugural General Meeting (IGM) of the South Western Rail All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). The meeting brought together parliamentarians to address the future of SWR and advocate for a stronger, more sustainable rail network.

Election of Officers

During the IGM, members formally elected Will Forster as Chair, reflecting his dedication to ensuring the best outcomes for passengers and communities served by SWR. Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat), Neil Duncan-Jordan (Labour), and Paul Holmes (Conservative) were elected as Officers, representing a collaborative approach to tackling rail challenges.

Focus on Nationalisation

A significant topic of discussion was the upcoming nationalisation of SWR, with representatives from South Western Railway providing insights. They reassured members that a seamless transition is planned for the end of May when the current contract expires. Will Forster emphasised the importance of maintaining service consistency and ensuring passengers experience no disruption.

Members welcomed the commitment to regular government meetings with the Department for Transport (DfT) to address any emerging issues. Will Forster expressed confidence that the transition will be well-managed, with operational continuity and a steady focus on service quality.

Annual Work Programme

Looking ahead, the APPG established an ambitious work plan for 2025, committing to tackle the key challenges facing South Western Railway. Will Forster highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency, gathering passenger feedback, and pushing for improvements in rail service delivery.

• March - Nationalisation Update: Members will reconvene to review the early impact of nationalisation. Stuart Meek, a leading expert in rail management, will present insights on the transition process and answer questions from members.
• June - Passenger Experience and Accessibility: The focus will shift to ticket pricing, customer satisfaction, and station accessibility. Will Forster has encouraged members to contribute casework testimonials to ensure the voices of constituents are heard.
• September - Sustainability: The APPG will explore how SWR can achieve decarbonisation goals and reduce reliance on diesel-powered trains. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, discussions will include electrification projects and sustainable rail practices.
• November - Infrastructure and Investment: Members will review progress on infrastructure projects and evaluate future investments. Nationalisation’s effect on rail infrastructure funding will also be examined, with Will Forster advocating for continued enhancements to the network.

Building a Better Railway

Will Forster reaffirmed his commitment to championing passenger interests, supporting a greener rail network, and pushing for greater accessibility. By maintaining cross-party collaboration, the APPG will work towards delivering meaningful improvements for South Western Railway users.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 12th at 10:00 AM, where members will assess the progress of nationalisation. Will Forster looks forward to continuing productive discussions and driving positive change.

Stay updated on the South Western Rail APPG’s progress by following Will Forster MP’s updates.