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Written question asked by Jerome Mayhew (Conservative) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Thursday, 9 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Heathrow Airport: South West Main Line

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, of June 2026, what steps are being taken by her department and its agencies to support the Heathrow Southern Railway proposal to link South West Rail to Heathrow.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of surface access to any future expansion of Heathrow Airport.

The draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement states that enhanced rail connectivity is necessary to support expansion and achieve public transport mode share targets. It requires any expansion promoter to set out in its surface access strategy, required as part of the development consent process, the rail enhancements it proposes to deliver, together with a credible delivery plan and how any necessary schemes will be financed, developed with Network Rail and other relevant stakeholders.

The Government has not identified a preferred rail scheme, giving promoters flexibility to develop proposals that support their wider surface access strategy. The Strategic Vision for Transport to an Expanded Heathrow sets out the criteria expected of new transport infrastructure, including improving access to areas without direct rail connections to the airport.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
16051
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Heathrow Airport South West main line
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk