Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill reappointed as Chair of Network Rail

PETER, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill has been reappointed as the Chair of Network Rail to serve a further 2 years, the Transport Secretary announced. As Chair of the Board, Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, will continue to oversee Network Rail's multi billion pound budget to efficiently run 20,000 miles of railway track and provide reliable services for passengers and freight customers across England, Scotland and Wales.

His role will be vital in steering Network Rail's 5 year plan, backed by £44 billion Government funding, to tackle climate change, improve performance, invest in infrastructure, and make the railways even greener.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill's continued service will also ensure continuity and a smooth transition to Great British Railways, which will put customers at the heart of the railways and drive modernisation. Having held a place on Network Rail's board since 2015, Lord Hendy will use his existing knowledge and experience to oversee a vital period of transformation which will bring track and train together.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:- "I'm delighted to reappoint Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, as Chair of Network Rail and with his vast experience in the industry, I have no doubt he will help oversee a seamless transition to Great British Railways, delivering our shared goals of a rail network that drives modernisation and economic growth while enhancing the role of the private sector."

Once delivered, Great British Railways will take control of the industry's finances to deliver efficiency and make the industry financially sustainable by working with the private sector to create a railway that puts passengers first. Alongside this, high-skilled jobs will also be created at Great British Railways' headquarters in Derby - Europe's largest rail hub - which is already brimming with the best talent in the industry.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, previously served as Commissioner of Transport for London for 9 years and led the successful operation of London's transport for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

He also provided valuable support to the Government throughout the Pandemic and led the Union Connectivity Review in 2021, which explored ways in which transport could better connect the UK. In November 2022, Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, received a life peerage sitting as a crossbench peer and was knighted in the 2013 New Year's Honours list, having been made CBE in 2006 for services to public transport.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, said:- "I am looking forward to supporting Andrew Haines, Chief Executive, and his team, in maintaining and improving Network Rail's delivery, now and into the next five-year funding period. I will also do everything I can to move the reform agenda, and the creation of Great British Railways, forward as soon as possible. Passengers and freight customers deserve a better, more cost effective railway which only reform and an integrated railway can deliver. I look forward to continuing to support Network Rail's transition to Great British Railways."

Damien Moore MP secures meeting with Deputy Prime Minister ahead of 2nd Anniversary of Semina Halliwell's tragic death

AHEAD of the 2nd anniversary of Semina Halliwell's tragic death on:- Monday, 12 June 2023, Damien Moore MP spoke of the horrific ordeal suffered by the 12 year old at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.

Mr. Moore pointed out that the Labour run Sefton Council still has an:- "inadequate" rating for its abysmally run children's services, and that more steps may need to be taken to ensure that children are protected, and that a tragedy such as Semina's never happens again.

The Deputy Prime Minister, expressing that his thoughts were with Semina, her family, and her friends, agreed to meet with Mr. Moore, and stressed the Government's continued commitment to protecting children.

In addition, Mr. Moore will also meet with Ministers from the Health Department, to further discuss what steps can be taken to strengthen protection for children in Southport, and to ensure that they get the best start in life possible.

Mr. Moore's question in Parliament comes ahead of the 2nd Anniversary of Semina's death, which will be commemorated with a service in Southport's Botanic Gardens this Sunday.

Damien Moore, Member of Parliament for Southport, said:- "What happened to Semina can never again be allowed to happen to another child. She suffered an horrific ordeal, and lessons must be learned. I am pleased that this important issue is being followed at the highest level, and will make the case carefully to the Deputy Prime Minister that the Labour run Sefton Council's Children's Services need dramatic reform. Children only get 1 start in life, and we must do everything we can to support them."