East West Rail: My actions and next steps
Written on 26/03/26 (updated on 31/03/26 and 20/04/26 below)
Many people across our towns, villages and city are frustrated at the lack of East West Rail services. I am too. That's why I raised this directly with the Secretary of State for Transport during Transport Questions today (March 26). Click here to watch the video in full.
In addition to relaying our communities' collective frustration, I sought an update on what discussions the Department for Transport is having with rail partners to resolve the outstanding issues, and, crucially, when my constituents can expect a clear timetable for when they will finally be able to use this vital link.
I am grateful for her acknowledging the strength of local feeling. Like all of us, I am keen to see services begin as soon as possible. Discussions are ongoing between Chiltern Railways and the trade unions regarding operational arrangements - particularly how the trains will operate in practice - with a clear focus on reaching agreement in a constructive and measured way, so that we can all enjoy safe and reliable services.
In addition, following my letters to them earlier this month, I spoke this afternoon with the Managing Director of Chiltern Railways as well as representatives from the RMT (the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers). To both, I made clear the urgent need for people across north Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes to be able to realise its full economic and social promise without further delay. I urged them to play their part in making this a reality.
The necessary preparatory work on trains and stations continues, and I have been assured that that work will be concluded in good time before passenger services start. Furthermore, I have written to the Rail Minister (Lord Hendy) for further information and remain in contact with the CEO of East West Rail. Click here to read my letter and here to read Lord Hendy’s reply (updated 31/03/26).
Please be assured that I am doing all I can as an individual Member of Parliament to secure the clarity that local people rightly expect and deserve. At the same time, it is important not to speculate or lay blame at any one door. I've seen a great deal of information circulating, and not all of it is accurate.
I am also scheduled to host a reception in Parliament on 13th April with East West Rail, where I will once again call on Government and the rail industry to work together to deliver what we all want: trains running between Oxford, Bicester, Winslow, Bletchley and Milton Keynes as soon as possible.
Update 20.04.26
Last week I was pleased to host a parliamentary reception for the East West Railway Company, led by David Hughes (Chief Executive Officer) and Neil Sachdev (Chair), to mark the launch of their latest consultation.
This consultation is now live and runs until Tuesday 9th June 2026. I would strongly encourage everyone across our communities to take part and have their say: https://eastwestrail.co.uk/consultation/consultation2026
This event brought together MPs, Peers, local authority leaders and business representatives from right across the route, underlining the scale of opportunity this project presents.
It was fantastic to see the vision for an additional eastern entrance at Bletchley station really coming to life. This is a project I am passionate about, and I will be stepping up my campaign across Government in the coming weeks. I am also delighted that Milton Keynes Labour Party and Milton Keynes City Council have already committed up to £5m towards making it a reality. In the meantime, I strongly encourage you to sign this petition to show the strength of feeling locally: https://survey.labour.org.uk/bletchleyeasternentrance
There are a number of other important elements I will be following very closely, including:
The proposed closure of the Fenny Stratford level crossing on Simpson Road.
The potential extension of Winslow station platforms by 24 metres to the west, without disrupting existing passenger services.
The construction of the proposed Bletchley West train maintenance depot in the Newton Longville and Mursley parishes.
East West Rail has the potential to transform connectivity across Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire - making it easier to access jobs, education, public services, and days out with family and friends.
In my remarks, I once again stressed how important it is that we see passenger services between Oxford and Bletchley start as soon as possible. I urged Department for Transport, Chiltern Railways, unions and other rail partners to come together and make this happen.
I will continue to provide updates as soon as there are firm developments. There is no confirmed start date to report, but I will communicate it to you when it is. For real-time news from me on East West Rail, please sign up to my newsletter using the link at the bottom of this page.
