Hull and East Yorkshire were a forgotten part of the rail network. Hull Trains put that right, connecting the great port city of Hull, and indeed Beverley, directly to London. It is also one of the most popular train services in the whole country.
I am pleased to hear what the Minister has said. Will he agree to meet with me, and perhaps colleagues, to discuss the future of open access and Hull Trains, to ensure that it is safeguarded, as I know he wants, into the 2030s and beyond?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
I thank the hon. Member for his request for a meeting, which I will ensure is passed to the Rail Minister. I understand the importance of the contribution that Hull Trains makes, both to the East Riding of Yorkshire and across the country.
Under the Railways Bill, it is right that Great British Railways can act as the directing mind for the railway, to ensure that we make best use of the network. However, we are also clear that where open access represents the best use of the network, it will continue to have a place. Hull Trains plays an important role in rail connectivity across the United Kingdom.