Written question asked by Helen Hayes (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 October 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 October 2021. It was answered by Chris Heaton-Harris (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 October 2021 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

South Eastern Rail Franchise

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, in the context of the Government’s decision to end SouthEastern Railway’s franchise, what investigations are being progressed by his Department alongside the internal investigation by Go-Ahead group.

Answer: My Department has been engaging with a non-executive committee, formed of the chairs of both of LSER’s owning groups. The committee is reviewing the issues and will produce a report for the Department to review. We have had sight of the terms, members and scope of the non-executive committee to satisfy ourselves of the appropriateness of the investigation. On receipt of the final report, my officials will undertake rigorous examination and review of the evidence provided and will report to me whether further action or further investigation is required.

Secondary information