Henry Smith MP has attended the inaugural meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Southern Rail, which has been set up to scrutinise the service provided by Govia Thameslink Railway. Henry will serve as the Group’s Secretary.

Henry said;

“I’m pleased to be joining once again with MPs from differing political parties to hold Govia Thameslink Railway and the unions to account for the misery they are continuing to cause Crawley commuters. I’m looking forward to working as the Group’s Secretary.

“Myself and other MPs have continued to raise this issue in Parliament, and with the rail operator, the unions, and the Department for Transport.

“As the Prime Minister continues to confirm ministerial appointments please be assured I will continue to take this issue up with the new Secretary of State for Transport.”

The Group, co-chaired by Rt Hon Sir Nicholas Soames MP (Conservative, Mid Sussex) and Peter Kyle MP (Hove & Portslade), held its first meeting in Westminster on Wednesday, 13th July.

MPs agreed the following Statement of Purpose for the All-Party Group:

“To scrutinise the operation and performance of the Southern Rail franchise with a view to ensuring service improvement by the franchise. We will act for the best interests of passengers by providing challenge to all organisations, including the Government, which have a bearing on operational performance.”

APPGs are cross-party groups which can comprise of MPs and members of the House of Lords. The APPG on Southern Rail will be officially constituted with parliamentary authorities.