MPs questioned Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander after two trains collided on 19 June, killing driver Shaun Burton; she said investigators would establish the facts, the Government would act on recommendations, and the Bedford to Luton line would remain closed until it is safe to reopen.

The Government said Great British Railways and an £11bn TransPennine upgrade would improve reliability, but MPs challenged it over East West Rail gaps, station safety, veterans’ discounts and alleged service cuts; ministers promised no change to veterans’ schemes but gave no start date for new East West passenger services.