The government’s 10-year Strategy for infrastructure has received a generally broad welcome from the railway industry, but a council is criticising the omission of one scheme. The Strategy document acknowledges that rail growth has been re-established, saying ‘Although rail passenger demand fell during COVID, it has since rebounded and is expected to continue growing over this decade.’

The managements of operator Southeastern and the Kent Route of Network Rail are being combined, and the Department for Transport says it is a ‘significant milestone’ towards Great British Railways, creating ‘clear accountability’ for performance. The new organisation will be known as South Eastern Railway, and is being led by managing director Steve White.