Future of the West Coast Mainline
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on the future of the West Coast Main Line on Tuesday 15 July at 2:30pm. The debate will be led by Connor Naismith MP (Lab, Crewe and Nantwich)

This note outlines the statutory framework for investigating accidents on the railway and provides information on five of the most serious accidents in the past fifteen years.
Railway: accidents (96 KB , PDF)
This note outlines the statutory framework for investigating accidents on the railway and provides information on five of the most serious accidents in the past fifteen years.
After every accident there is an accident report published, usually compiled by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). In the case of more serious accidents there is also often a public inquiry. Many of the safety improvements to the railway have come about following recommendations from public inquiries that followed serious accidents. It has proven very difficult for rail companies, including Railtrack/Network Rail, to be prosecuted for serious accidents. Where Network Rail has been found liable for accidents it is usually fined and there is an ongoing debate about the fact that public money, or money that might otherwise be invested in the railway, is used to pay these fines.
Railway: accidents (96 KB , PDF)
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on the future of the West Coast Main Line on Tuesday 15 July at 2:30pm. The debate will be led by Connor Naismith MP (Lab, Crewe and Nantwich)
On 25 June 2025 there will be an Estimates day debate on the spending of the Department for Transport
A debate on support for rural businesses will take place in Westminster Hall on 18 June 2025 at 2:30pm. The Library will publish briefing materials ahead of the debate.