Last November the 20 year plan for our rail network was submitted to government ministers by the Peninsula Rail Task Force (see www.peninsularailtaskforce.co.uk). It has been very well received.

In the autumn we will hear government’s response, but we can expect it to be positive, with more investment into our railway and backing for this region’s plans. In the meantime millions are being spent on making our vital rail link more resilient, around Dawlish and elsewhere.

Brand new state-or-the-art trains will be rolled out on our Paddington line from 2018, and the government has announced plans to radically improve on-board connectivity.

Plymouth will be getting a new railway station, hopefully in time for the Mayflower 400 celebrations. After many years of effort, finally we are seeing this region receive the infrastructure investment we deserve.

I have played an active part in achieving these improvements and recently met with the Chancellor to ensure they are on his agenda. I will to continue fighting the battle in the new Parliament, post the 2017 General Election.