Tag: Department for Transport

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 May 2026.

Modernising track and train will help improve the passenger experience, while supporting jobs, growth and homes in Britain.

• rail industry innovation boosted as ninth round of the First-of-a-Kind competition launched with entries aimed at improving passenger experience on the railways
• government partners with Innovate UK to provide £4.8 million funding to back ambitious new projects in lead up to the creation of Great British Railways
• previous winners applauded for creating tech-led solutions and utilising AI to improve train performance and on-platform safety

Railway passengers and staff to benefit as the Department for Transport (DfT) funds the development of pioneering, tech-led projects aimed at improving safety and reliability on Britain’s rail network.

Opening today (11 May 2026) in partnership with Innovate UK, the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) competition offers £4.8 million grant funding to new projects so innovators can bring their ideas to life and present them to industry, boosting their chances of being rolled out on the network.

The competition aims to address persistent issues on the railway, such as safety concerns, service reliability or anti-social behaviour. This year, applicants will put forward ideas to help deliver major projects on time and in budget, improve the passenger service performance and reduce the industry’s impact on the environment.

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

Innovation is central to bringing Britain’s railway into the 21st century and our funding for the First-of-a-Kind competition puts this principle into action, helping turn creative concepts into real-life solutions.

Supporting new ideas is all part of our plan to modernise track and train under Great British Railways, designing and adopting world-leading technology that improves passenger experience while supporting jobs, growth and homes.

Now in its ninth round, the FOAK competition has been backed with £62.5 million in government funding to date. Previous winners include Transmission Dynamics Ltd, 1 of 7 project entrants from 2025, who developed intelligent roadside warning and analysis systems designed to prevent disruption following collisions between large goods vehicles and low-clearance bridges or tunnels.

See the list of FOAK rail competition 2025 winners for more information.

Trials of the technology are underway, including in Northumberland, where the detection system alerted Network Rail when a bridge was recently struck, enabling the team to quickly assess damage and minimise the likelihood of disruption for passengers travelling on the East Coast Mainline.

Claire Spooner, Director of the Innovation Service at Innovate UK, said:

Since 2017, Innovate UK has delivered the Department for Transport-funded First-of-a-Kind competition to accelerate the development, demonstration and adoption of breakthrough technologies into rail innovation.

FOAK26 marks the next step, introducing more focused, industry-led challenges aligned to DfT priorities and supported by strong sponsorship across the sector. By working closely with industry partners and stakeholders, FOAK26 will maximise the impact of public investment, support the commercialisation of innovation and drive economic growth by helping new solutions reach the rail network faster.

Another of the FOAK competition winners from 2025 developed an automated monitoring system to track deliveries to an HS2 development site. The cameras worked by integrating AI software, alerting site workers to the delivery of time-critical supplies, helping to keep projects on track.

Hao Zheng, Co-founder and CEO of Robok Limited, said:

Innovate UK’s FOAK funding allowed us to develop SiteFlow with EKFB on a live HS2 site, turning existing CCTV into supplier-assurance and safety insight. That foundation is now enabling us to take the product to the wider HS2 community and to scale this practical AI across UK infrastructure.

Noel Dolphin, GB Managing Director of Furrer+Frey, said:

The FOAK competition has allowed us to take risks and innovate further and faster than we otherwise would. We’ve taken sound, but commercially risky concepts and used FOAK funding to develop and demonstrate them, working with a broad range of partners, into real-world products.

Developing Lineform AI in the FOAK 2025 has already delivered cost savings to Network Rail and UK infrastructure.

These projects will help to deliver better services for passengers, encouraging more people to travel by rail as the government rebuilds a publicly owned railway that the country can rely on and be proud of under Great British Railways (GBR).

As a single organisation, GBR will deliver lasting change and build a railway fit for Britain’s future, owned by the public, for the public. The full public ownership programme is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with 8 out of the 14 train operators now publicly owned and operators managing more than 1,100 stations. By bringing track and train under a single directing mind, GBR will drive up standards for passengers and make journeys easier and better value for money.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 May 2026.

New Cambridge South rail station opening in June 2026.

• date revealed for opening of new Cambridge South station next month giving direct rail link to Europe’s largest medical research facility and its 40,000 daily visitors
• backed by £250 million government funding the station will host up to 9 trains an hour to Cambridge alongside further direct services to London, Stansted and Birmingham Airport – boosting access to jobs, opportunities and housing
• Cambridge South will be the first new Great British Railways branded station as the rail reform programme ramps up with over 660 million passengers now travelling on publicly owned services annually

Passengers will soon be able to take trains from the new Cambridge South station after its opening date was revealed today (11 May 2026). Services will begin calling at Cambridge South on Sunday 28 June before the station’s official opening ceremony takes place the following day.

The first Great British Railways (GBR) branded station in the country, Cambridge South, is expected to welcome 1.8 million passengers annually as the government’s public ownership programme gathers steam.

The station will benefit from up to 9 trains an hour to the centre of Cambridge as well as a direct link to the city’s Biomedical Campus, with its world-class science, NHS hospitals and business facilities. The Cambridge Biomedical Campus contributes £4.7 billion annually to the UK economy, a figure expected to rise to £18.2 billion by 2050 alongside a doubling of its 20,000 current employees, thanks in part to the boost brought by the new station.

Passengers will also be able to take trains to London, Birmingham, Stansted Airport and international rail services via St Pancras, with up to 20 services calling at Cambridge South in peak hours. This signals a huge boost to vital links to jobs, housing and businesses.

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

Backed by £250 million government investment, Cambridge South will open up access to jobs, homes and world-class facilities for people across the region, boosting the growth of the Biomedical Campus as one of the most important engines of growth in the country.

As the first new Great British Railways branded station, the opening is an important milestone for our railways and a sign of the real change public ownership will deliver. Faster connections supporting economic growth, thousands more jobs and homes and a railway that works for the communities it serves.

The opening comes as the public ownership programme continues apace alongside the creation of GBR, which will coordinate the whole rail network in the UK. The creation of GBR will end the country’s convoluted rail system involving over 17 different organisations, cut through the frustrating bureaucracy and instead run Britain’s railways as a single organisation for the first time in decades.

As a single organisation, GBR will deliver lasting change and build a railway fit for Britain’s future, owned by the public, for the public. The full public ownership programme is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with 8 out of the 14 train operators now publicly owned and operators managing more than 1,100 stations.

Jeremy Westlake, Chief Executive for Network Rail said:

We’re excited to welcome passengers to this landmark station from next month, providing direct access to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and better connections across the UK and beyond. Cambridge South station will significantly improve travel and connectivity for campus staff, visitors and the wider community for many years to come.

Thousands of people have worked tirelessly on this fantastic project to build a modern, accessible and sustainable station that reflects the excellence of the work that is being undertaken in Europe’s largest biomedical facility. It’s been a truly collaborative experience working alongside government, contractors, industry partners and the wider rail network to make this station a reality and we’re really proud of the result and the role it will play in connecting people to jobs, research and opportunity across the region.

Alongside setting up GBR, the government is focused on getting better value for passengers now and keeping the cost of rail tickets down. Regulated rail fares have been frozen across England until March 2027 so passengers are not paying a penny more on season tickets, peak returns for commuters and off-peak returns between major cities.

Cambridge South station has been built thanks to more than £250 million of government funding, alongside £5 million contributions from AstraZeneca, Cambridge & Peterborough Combined Authority and the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 5 May 2026.

Funding will help develop a numberplate ID system for drones, helping police better protect UK skies and prosecute illegal users.

• British jobs, innovation and long-term economic growth will be supported by £26 million to bring drones and air taxis to UK skies faster
• nearly £20.5 million committed to develop numberplate ID system for drones – helping police better protect UK skies and prosecute illegal users
• plans will cut red tape and boost the UK’s next-generation aviation technologies, estimated to contribute up to £103 billion to the UK economy over the next 25 years

Drone deliveries, flying taxis and smarter emergency services could be a step closer to use in UK skies, as the government awards almost £50 million to unlock growth in the drone and advanced air mobility sector, today (5 May 2026).

Part of the £46.5 million investment will also see a crackdown on ‘faceless’ drones, which can be used in suspicious or illegal activity, through the first bespoke drone identification system. The measures will make it easier for police to identify illegal or nuisance users and clear the way for legitimate drone operators.

Delivered through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the funding will also cut red tape and support the regulatory, digital and security foundations needed to bring drones and advanced air mobility – such as electric flying taxis – into more routine use across the UK.

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said:

We’re backing the next generation of British aviation innovators with nearly £50 million to drive drone regulation reforms and unlock barriers to growth that will create jobs, lower emissions and further the UK’s world-leading aviation reputation.

Innovation must go hand in hand with strong security – that’s why over half of our investment will develop a new ID system to track drones in real-time, supporting emergency services and building public confidence in an industry that could be worth up to £103 billion by 2050.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

This funding will create a numberplate system for the skies.

Law enforcement will be able to identify and take action against those who break the law, taking drones out of the sky and protecting the public.

Hybrid Remote ID works by sending out the drone’s ID and location during flight so nearby devices can pick it up, sharing flight details through a secure online system that authorised people can access even when they are not nearby and recording historic data.

The funding also includes £26.5 million to drive smarter regulation and cut red tape – making it easier for drones to be used in everyday public services and driving economic growth across the UK.

This includes speeding up approvals for drone operations for emergency responses, medical logistics and infrastructure inspection, driving forward regulation to get flying taxis in the sky from 2028. Drone operators will also benefit from a streamlined digital application process, reducing the time required to navigate regulations and prepare applications.

The government is clear that regulation must support growth (PDF), with a focus on faster, more predictable approvals and a better experience for operators, while maintaining the UK’s high safety standards.

Today’s announcement is part of the UK government’s broader ambition to maintain and expand the country’s position as an aviation superpower – including work to strengthen UK research and innovation, ensuring high-growth sectors such as robotics and AI have the support they need to thrive.

This follows other commitments to accelerate airspace modernisation, invest £2.3 billion in the development of green aircraft and provide £63 million support for sustainable aviation fuel.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Director Future Safety and Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

Our work going on right now is laying the foundations for commercial operation in the future, unlocking routine drone deliveries, long-range inspections and hospital logistics.

This vital funding supports the next generation of aerospace, strengthening safety and bringing economic growth for the UK.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:

This is a welcome investment in the sector by the government. To lead in advanced air mobility requires a regulatory system that can move at pace while maintaining the highest safety standards. The UK’s CAA has been a serious and constructive partner.

This investment is a further step towards positioning the UK at the leading edge of the eVTOL sector, as it moves towards commercial operations.

Stephen Wright, Chairman and Founder of Windracers, said:

This is a significant step forward for the UK’s drone and advanced air mobility sector. Targeted investment alongside practical regulatory reform is exactly what is needed to unlock real-world operations at scale.

At Windracers, we see first-hand how autonomous aviation can strengthen supply chains, support critical services and operate reliably in some of the most challenging environments.

We are proud to work alongside the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority as a trusted partner, helping to shape a regulatory environment that supports UK innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 2 May 2026.

There are no immediate supply issues, but government is preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption.

• summer holidays to be better protected as government consults on relaxing flight take-off/landing rules, providing certainty for passengers and businesses
• lightning consultation launched to provide airlines flexibility to lock in flight schedules early, prevent last-minute disruptions and cancellations
• Transport Secretary reiterates passengers are entitled to be re-routed or refunded if their flight is cancelled by the airline

Passengers will have their summer holidays better protected as government sets out plans today (3 May 2026), which will help cut the likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations this summer in the event of significant disruption due to ongoing global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.  

The contingency preparations are designed to give families greater confidence when travelling this summer by enabling airlines to plan realistically and lock in schedules earlier so that people are less likely to be affected by short‑notice changes at the airport.

While UK airlines say they are not currently facing supply issues, the government will be consulting with the industry in order to act quickly if needs be, before disruption takes hold, giving passengers and the aviation sector the certainty they need to plan ahead. 

These temporary measures would allow airlines to, for example, consolidate schedules on routes where there are multiple flights to the same destination on the same day.  

Instead of cancelling flights at the last minute, the measures would:

• help move passengers onto similar services much earlier, helping avoid stressful delays at the airport
• prevent running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets
• reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes

The Transport Secretary discussed the plans at a roundtable with key industry figures on 30 April 2026, including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet, reaffirming the government’s commitment to keeping Britain flying this summer. 

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 

Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any problems. 

There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer.  

This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses. We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.

The measures being considered will allow airlines to proactively hand back a limited proportion of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them the following season. ‘Hand backs’ help airlines build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations rather than flying empty ‘ghost flights’ or cancelling at short notice, putting passengers’ plans at risk.

This will build on the UK’s independent slot coordinators’ (Airport Coordination Limited) decision to update its guidance, ensuring airlines do not permanently lose their take-off and landing slots if they are unable to use them due to jet fuel shortages.  

The measures the government is considering go further by allowing airlines to plan ahead and act on the best information they have available on fuel supply or wider impacts of the Middle East conflict, rather than wait for a shortage to occur. 

The government continues to plan for a range of contingencies to increase flexibility on jet fuel supply and domestic jet fuel production has increased. The UK imports jet fuel supplies from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States.

As part of today’s action, the government is upping awareness of the existing rights available to passengers in the event of disruption. If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund. 

If a flight is subject to a significant delay –  at least 2 hours for short-haul, 3 hours for medium-haul and 4 hours for long-haul - passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur. 

Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.

Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.

Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said:

UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply. We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations. 

We welcome the government’s contingency planning, including slot alleviation, which is one measure which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers.

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said:

While our partners across the aviation sector continue to report no shortage of jet fuel supplies, it is sensible for government to consult on possible action if this were to change.

We will now work closely with our airport members, ministers and officials to examine the proposals and respond on the best way to proceed that will lead to the best outcomes for passengers.

If notified of changes to their flights by airlines, passengers are advised to speak to their airline, travel agent or tour operator in the first instance.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 13 April 2026.

£3 million funding boost will help 6 mayoral authorities set up bus franchising to improve travel for passengers across England.

• government is continuing to invest in better bus services, with a new £3 million boost to help areas transition to a franchised bus model, ensuring buses work better for the people who rely on them every day
• local authorities are already using record government funding to introduce schemes such as discounted and free fares, as well as new services to previously unserved rural areas
• alongside the government’s biggest reform to buses in a generation, the support will help local leaders shape services around their communities and deliver a modern, passenger‑focused network

Millions of bus passengers across England are benefitting from cheaper fares, new routes and better services as local authorities are putting government funding to work in their communities.

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to play a part in people’s everyday lives, local authorities are stepping up to make buses work better for everyone, reducing the burden on households.

Support comes as the government commits a further £3 million to better buses, supporting 6 mayoral authorities to set up bus franchising, building on the success of the Bee Network in Greater Manchester.

The 6 authorities benefitting from today’s (13 April 2026) £3 million funding package are:

• Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
• North East Combined Authority
• West Yorkshire Combined Authority
• South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
• West Midlands Combined Authority
• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority

From £1 fares for those 21 and under in the north-east, to brand new bus routes connecting rural Norfolk villages for the very first time, councils across the country are choosing to invest in the journeys that matter most to people’s daily lives.

Liverpool City Region, which is on course to franchise its services by the end of 2027, has maintained its £2 bus fare cap and introduced new express services to Liverpool City Centre, while in the West of England, the £1 fare cap for children has been extended until Spring 2029, helping families with the cost of living.

Meanwhile, in Norfolk, a new bus service has been introduced between Great Yarmouth and Caister into Norwich, serving several rural villages previously without a bus route into the city. This transformative new route is connecting isolated communities with jobs and education, showing the government’s commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Many authorities are choosing to make travel completely free, and in Barnsley, all those aged under 18 are receiving free travel for the next 2 years, meaning young people don’t have to pay a penny as part of the school or college commute.

These schemes are all backed by the government, with more than £3 billion invested through the Local Authority Bus Grant between 2026 and 2029 – money that local leaders can spend on the things passengers actually need.

The result is a network that is becoming more affordable, frequent and connected, particularly for those in rural and less affluent areas who have for too long been left with no viable alternative.

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:

It is an incredibly exciting time for buses at the moment with record government funding supporting new services, including to rural communities and discounted ticket offers, alongside our £3 fare cap.

Meanwhile, today marks a major milestone on our journey towards better buses. Our £3 million funding boost will help mayors take a step closer to franchising, allowing local leaders to take control of their buses to deliver for the thousands of people who rely on bus travel in their regions.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

Buses are the backbone of our public transport system. Local areas are investing in bus services like never before, with mayoral combined authorities leading the way in making their bus networks affordable, accessible and integrated.

This £3 million funding boost, together with the new Bus Service Act, will unlock the future of bus reform and see local passengers and communities benefit from better bus services.

Lydia Horbury, CEO of passenger champions Bus Users UK, said:

Buses are a lifeline for millions and putting passengers at the heart of the network is the only way to ensure these services truly thrive. This investment is a positive step toward creating a more integrated and affordable transport system that works for the people who use it every day.

Whether it is a young person in Barnsley accessing education for free or a resident in a rural Norfolk village finally being connected to their local community, seeing local leaders use this funding to break down barriers is incredibly welcome.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 25 March 2026.

The Zero Emissions Truck and Van grants and the Depot Charging Scheme aim to help businesses make the switch to electric vans and trucks.

• £1 billion boost for British businesses to roll out clean trucks and vans and install new EV chargers at depots – helping to build resilience against fuel price uncertainty
• companies will save up to £81,000 off the heaviest zero emission trucks – covering up to 40% of the cost – and up to £5,000 off new zero emission vans, cutting costs, supporting jobs, and slashing emissions
• Businesses and public authorities will also save up to £1 million when installing chargers for vans, coaches, and HGVs

Businesses across the UK are being backed to roll out electric vans and trucks with £1 billion of funding – saving them cash, cleaning up millions of journey miles, and helping hauliers become more resistant to global price changes.

The Zero Emissions Truck and Van grants and the Depot Charging Scheme (DCS) aim to tackle two of the biggest barriers to businesses making the switch – upfront costs and access to charging.

Global fuel price uncertainty is challenging for businesses, and these grants will support industry to switch to electric, helping to reduce exposure to fuel price uncertainty.

The truck grant will offer savings of up to £81,000 off the heaviest zero emissions trucks, covering up to 40% of the cost. The van grant will continue to offer discounts of up to £5,000 off the cost of electric vans.

On top of that, businesses and public authorities could save up to £1 million, covering up to 70% of the cost, when installing charging infrastructure for vans, coaches, and eHGVs, thanks to a £170 million boost to the government’s Depot Charging Scheme.

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather, said:

This £1 billion investment cuts cost for British businesses, supports jobs, cleans up our roads, and gives operators protection against shifting global fuel prices.

The logistics sector is the backbone of the UK economy, worth £170 billion and supporting 2.7 million jobs. We’re helping them expand and decarbonise their fleets whilst saving them cash, driving growth up and down the country.

The new funding comes after the government announced an £18 million uplift in January to slash up to £120,000 off the cost of green lorries, making it cheaper for businesses to go electric, with companies like M&S and Wren Kitchens and Bedrooms taking advantage of funding to decarbonise their fleets and reduce operational costs.

Lee Holmes, Transport and Logistics Director at Wren Kitchens and Bedrooms, said:

Government investment gives businesses like Wren the confidence to accelerate fleet decarbonisation while maintaining operational stability, even in periods of economic uncertainty.

With this support, we’ve brought a number of 44-tonne e-trucks into our fleet alongside a rapid charging infrastructure, reducing our reliance on traditional fuels and strengthening resilience and reliability against ongoing market volatility.

Julian Bailey, Head of Group Transport at M&S, said:

In 2021, we set ourselves the ambitious target of becoming a net zero business across our value chain by 2040. Since then, we’ve made some great progress, which includes the onboarding of 24 battery electric vehicles across our transport fleet.

We welcome this investment which serves as a reminder of the importance of the logistics sector in the UK and its role in decarbonisation.

Alongside support for operators, the government is also helping families make the switch through the Electric Car Grant which has helped over 80,000 drivers buy an EV, by saving them up to £3750 in the process. This is tackling upfront costs which is one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption.

With 1 in 4 cars sold now electric, it’s crucial to expand the UK’s charging infrastructure and so the government is spending over £600 million to rollout hundreds of thousands of EV chargers across the country, giving drivers the confidence they’ll be able to charge up whether at home, at work or on the go. This will build on the over 118,000 chargers already available.

Toby Poston, BVRLA Chief Executive said:

The Depot Charging Scheme is playing a vital role in helping fleet operators and rental companies to install affordable, reliable charging infrastructure at their depots.

The vehicle rental sector faces one of the most challenging paths to decarbonisation, and this additional support for depot charging will play a major role in building confidence. It will encourage more rental operators – particularly SMEs – to electrify at scale, reduce costs, and contribute to the UK’s net zero goals.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 27 January 2026.

Taking the HS2 railway into central London is crucial to unlocking its full potential to create more jobs, more homes and to boost the British economy.

• the first of 2 HS2 tunnel boring machines begins its journey from Old Oak Common to Euston station
• key step on a major milestone in the government’s commitment to bring the new, high-speed rail line into central London
• delivering HS2 to Euston supports the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth, with recent estimates showing development at Euston could add around £41 billion to the UK economy by 2053

High Speed Two’s (HS2’s) journey into central London is a stop closer today (27 January 2026), after a huge tunnel boring machine started its passage from Old Oak Common in the capital’s west, to Euston station, marking a key milestone in the government’s commitment to deliver the new, high-speed rail line to the city centre.

Taking HS2 to Euston is essential to unlocking the project’s full economic potential, with estimates from Camden Council suggesting a mix of new homes and commercial development at Euston could add £41 billion to the economy by 2053 and support 34,000 new jobs. Today’s tunnelling in Old Oak Common is part of wider progress on HS2 and follows the completion of 23 miles of tunnels, 19 bridges and 2 viaducts along the rail line’s route from central London to Birmingham.

The Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones, and the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, visited Old Oak Common station alongside the Chief Executive Officer of HS2 Ltd, Mark Wild, and Transport for London (TfL) Commissioner, Andy Lord, to switch on the 1,624-tonne tunnel boring machine, which will excavate a 4.5-mile tunnel between the 2 stations.

The machine works by both excavating and constructing the tunnel as it goes, slotting concrete segments into place to build the structure through which HS2’s trains will travel. It is the first of 2 tunnel boring machines that will construct the 2 parallel tunnels to Euston and is named ‘Madeleine’ after the former president of the Women’s Engineering Society, Madeleine Nobbs.

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:

It was brilliant to switch on the tunnel boring machine at Old Oak Common today – not just because it’s an engineering marvel – but because it brings HS2’s journey to Euston another step closer to reality.

We’re putting HS2 back on track, and taking the railway into central London is crucial to unlocking its full potential to deliver more jobs, more homes and a long-term boost to the whole British economy.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones, said:

There’s nothing boring about tunnel boring. Today’s launch was a brilliant moment for the UK’s railways, building on 6 major rail tunnel and road milestones completed ahead of schedule last year.

We’re boosting the links between our big cities across the country to create more opportunities for people to trade, meet and socialise with each other, turning the corner on years of decline.

HS2 Ltd CEO, Mark Wild, said:

On my first day at HS2, I unveiled the Euston TBMs as they were being prepared to build the Euston Tunnel. Just over a year on, we’re beginning to excavate the tunnel – a show of confidence that HS2 will be built into central London and kickstart economic growth.

Over the past 12 months, I have been leading a comprehensive reset across HS2 to get it back on track and I am confident that we’re on the right path to delivering HS2 safely and efficiently. The start of tunnelling here today is a part of the strong foundations we can build upon to completing HS2 and deliver better journeys for rail passengers.

With over 33,000 people currently working to build the high-speed railway, HS2 is estimated to add £10 billion to the west London economy over the next decade, including 22,000 more homes and almost 19,000 new jobs. Once complete, HS2 will mean faster, better train travel for passengers between London and Birmingham and beyond.

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said:

Today marks a significant milestone in the journey towards bringing high-speed services into Euston, unlocking faster journeys and delivering greater connectivity, as well as supporting growth in jobs and homes in the heart of the capital.

At TfL, we’re working closely with our partners to ensure the best possible experience for customers interchanging between London Underground, London Buses, HS2 and National Rail services at Euston.

Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor, Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, said:

Today is an important and exciting milestone for HS2 as this much-needed new high-speed rail line into central London gets another step closer to completion.

It will boost the UK economy by £41 billion and support 34,000 new jobs, while delivering 22,000 more homes for Londoners over the next decade.

The mayor and I will continue working closely with government and partners to unlock the full economic potential of our transport network as we build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.

Today’s milestone comes as HS2 Ltd’s CEO Mark Wild leads a comprehensive reset of HS2 to ensure the new railway is delivered safely between London and Birmingham at the lowest reasonable cost. Despite HS2’s challenges, the project supports the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth by creating jobs, homes, and unlocking much-needed rail capacity, with over 33,000 people currently working to build the high-speed railway.

The delivery of the government’s plans for Euston will be taken forward by a new body, the Euston Delivery Company. Once established, the company will lead delivery of an affordable and integrated transport hub – including the new HS2 station, the redevelopment of the existing station, and upgrades to the London Underground station – along with commercial development across the Euston campus.

More broadly, the government is delivering landmark legislation to overhaul the railway and bring it together under Great British Railways, a new body which will be owned by the public and deliver for the public. The government is also making fares cheaper through the first fare freeze in 30 years, which is putting money back in millions of passengers’ pockets and easing the cost of living for hard-working people.

Leader of Camden Council, Councillor Richard Olszewski, said:  

Euston holds a once-in-a-century opportunity to boost the national economy, build much-needed affordable homes, and create new jobs for people in Camden and beyond. 

The start of tunnelling brings us a step closer to that future, adding new momentum and even-greater confidence in Euston’s potential to be a driver of national growth. 

In Camden, we stand ready to lead the next chapter of Euston’s vibrant history through a new, locally led development corporation – working with the GLA and government to make Euston a place that delivers for the country, the capital and our communities.

Richard Adams, Managing Director of Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture, said:  

We are delighted to be commencing our final TBM drives to build the 2 4.5-mile tunnels to Euston. During this work, our TBMs will remove over 1.5 million tonnes of excavated material and place more than 8,000 pre-cast rings, built in a dedicated facility in Hartlepool. 

Our tunnel segments and excavated material will all be transported by rail and managed through our state of the art logistics hub. This will remove over 70,000 lorry journeys from the local road network, emphasising our commitment to being a good neighbour and greener construction. 

SCS JV has already driven 8.4 miles of twin-bore tunnels under London, from West Ruislip to Old Oak Common and our expert teams on site will work 24/7 to deliver these final HS2 tunnel drives with the highest levels of safety and productivity.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 15 January 2026.

Our 10 new Aviation Ambassadors will help encourage more young people to see the UK aviation sector as a place where they can build rewarding, long-term futures.

• 10 industry professionals appointed to inspire young people into aviation careers in the industry, futureproofing the sector and upskilling young Brits 
• next cohort of volunteers will start this month, including a former Red Arrows Chief Engineer and Operations Director of East Midlands Airport, to shine a light on the wide range of aviation jobs and to encourage recruits from diverse backgrounds
• supports government’s mission to deliver growth and opportunity, helping young people into skilled jobs and furthering the UK’s world-leading reputation in aviation

Thousands of young people across the UK will be inspired to pursue exciting and rewarding careers in aviation as the government confirms the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors today (15 January 2026).

The ambassadors are successful aviation professionals who promote jobs, skills and training in the sector by going into schools, hosting workshops, and using social media to reach primary, secondary and college students across England. 

From ground handling and airfield safety to commercial flying, customer service, and aviation law, the Aviation Ambassador programme raises awareness of the breadth of career paths available to suit every skill set and every passion. 

Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said: 

Aviation is full of exciting opportunities and fulfilling career paths and we’re determined to encourage more young people to see the sector as a place where they can thrive and build rewarding, long-term futures. 

Our Aviation Ambassadors are key to making that happen – sharing their own journeys, helping to break down barriers and showing the sky really is the limit. By broadening horizons, we’re helping to secure the future of UK aviation while delivering regional growth, jobs and skills.

A key part of the ambassadors’ role will be inspiring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have previously considered the opportunities or career paths the industry offers.

Among the new ambassadors are: 

• Former Red Arrows Chief Engineer, Ross Priday, from South Wales, who will inspire young people by sharing his wide range of experiences and bridging the gap between aviation and aerospace careers.
• Lauren Turner, airport Operations Director. Lauren has risen through the ranks at East Midlands Airport from Security Officer to overseeing the entire airport operation in 13 years, becoming a self-led aviation success story who will champion apprenticeships and support pathways into aviation.
• Miguel Cabrera Vivas, London-based aviation influencer and former Heathrow internal progression lead, also known as The Aviation Mentor. Miguel uses social media and in-person sessions to promote aviation as an accessible career choice.

Other new ambassadors include Marcus Sellars, who graduated from Newcastle University last year into a role delivering automation and digital transport integration across the airfield at Teesside International Airport, and David Gardner, a senior firefighter and medical lead for the airport’s first responder scheme at Luton Airport. 

Ambassadors deliver a range of outreach activities, including giving talks in colleges, supporting industry events and promoting aviation careers through online platforms and traditional media. This engagement has reached thousands of people who may never have considered aviation as a career option, including those in underrepresented communities. 

The initiative is part of the Generation Aviation programme, which sees government and industry working together to help build an aviation workforce fit for the future and to attract diverse, talented people. 

The new ambassadors will start their roles on 28 January 2026. 

Ross Priday, former Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows and new Aviation Ambassador, said: 

Aviation gave me a career I could never have imagined, and I want others to see the incredible opportunities this industry offers. Whether someone is fascinated by engineering, drawn to the skies as a pilot, or interested in roles like air traffic control, ground operations or aviation law and insurance, there truly is something for everyone.

What’s exciting is that there are so many ways in. School leavers, apprentices, graduates, and those looking for a change from other industries can all find their path into aviation. Through my Aviation Ambassador role, I want to show people not just that these exciting careers exist, but exactly how to access them.

Lauren Turner, Operations Director at East Midlands Airport and new Aviation Ambassador, said: 

I’m proud and excited to be an aviation ambassador and to share my journey at East Midlands Airport. Aviation is an innovative, fast-moving industry with opportunities for people from all walks of life, and I hope that by sharing my personal career story, I can encourage young people across the region to see it as a career where they can thrive and grow.

Alice Goodwin, former Aviation Ambassador, said: 

Congratulations to the new cohort of Aviation Ambassadors!

This programme is a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to inspire the next generation, showcase the diverse careers aviation offers, and champion the sector as role models.

By engaging with schools, speaking at events, and sharing their passion, these ambassadors will play a vital role in closing the aviation skills gap and shaping the future of this exciting industry.

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said:

Airports and aviation offer a wealth of excellent career opportunities, and it is great to see the next set of sector ambassadors have been appointed to help inspire the next generation.

Jobs in this sector will not only provide young people with fulfilling and highly skilled careers but will directly contribute to growing the UK economy and help keep our friends, families and businesses connected with the world.

We wish the new ambassadors the best of luck with their new responsibilities and look forward to exploring how we can work with them to increase awareness of the chances offered by aviation.

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: 

Airlines UK welcomes the appointment of the new Aviation Ambassadors. Our world-class sector depends on a steady pipeline of skilled young people choosing careers in aviation, and this programme plays a practical role in highlighting the varied and exciting range of careers available. By connecting real aviation businesses with schools and colleges, the scheme supports growth, resilience, and the future competitiveness of our fantastic industry.

The new ambassadors are:  

• Emma Garnham – Training and Compliance Director for DHL, a ground handler, based in London
• Abdullah Bin Sajid Butt – Customer Operations Coordinator at Jet2.com, based in Bradford
• Ross Priday – CEO of a business delivering aviation safety risk advisory services to industry. Previously served as Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows, based in Wales
• Sigourney Ansah – an aspiring commercial pilot, who has previously worked for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic at their head offices, based in London
• Sam Higgins - student outreach manager for British Airways, based in London
• Ken Eckersall – director of KenEck, a company which delivers aviation outreach to schools and colleges through portable flight simulators, FlightDeck PC, based in Wigan
• David Gardner – aviation fire fighter and medical lead for Luton Airport’s first responder scheme, based in Luton
• Lauren Turner – Operations Director at East Midlands Airport, based in the Midlands.
• Miguel Cabrera Vivas – former Service Recovery Manager at Heathrow and founder of ‘The Aviation Mentor’ social media channels with 177,000 likes and 6,000 followers, based in London
• Marcus Sellars – Aviation Automation and Digital Transport Integration Lead at Tees Valley Combined Authority, based in the Darlington

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 January 2026.

Major rail plans will unlock North West’s economic potential, including a new rail route between Liverpool and Manchester and improved connections across the region.

• brand new rail line between Liverpool and Manchester unveiled, via new stations at Manchester Airport and Warrington Bank Quay Low Level
• part of new government vision for growth in the North to unlock the region’s economic potential and boost living standards – growing the productivity of 5 largest cities to the national average would add up to £40 billion a year to UK economy 
• plans boost frequency and reliability of services across the North, as well as boosting job opportunities and generating thousands of new homes

People across the North West are set to benefit from a brand new line between Liverpool and Manchester as major new government plans are unveiled to unlock billions of pounds of economic potential.

Plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) have been set out today (14 January 2026), including a new rail route between Liverpool and Manchester, running via Manchester Airport and Warrington and improved connections across the Pennines between Manchester, Leeds, Bradford and Sheffield. Leeds, 

The scheme is part of the major government drive to boost growth and living standards across the north, helping to unlock around £40 billion of economic potential – growing the productivity of the 5 largest cities to the national average would add up to £40 billion a year to the UK economy.  

The second phase of NPR will include 3 new stations at Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington Bank Quay Low Level along the route, with delivery starting in the 2030s.

Improvements to busy stations, Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central, are also being considered alongside the work the government is undertaking together with Liverpool City Region to look at options for a major regeneration scheme in the city centre.

This will follow phase one which will see upgrades across routes between Leeds, Bradford, York and Sheffield. The third phase will focus on improved connections between Manchester and Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds and explore options for Manchester to Bradford.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: 

For too long, the North has been held back by underinvestment and years of dither and delay – but that ends now.    

This new era of investment will reignite the economy across Liverpool and Manchester, helping their iconic sport and cultural industries to thrive, and cementing Manchester Airport as the gateway to the North.   

This exciting new line will not only speed up journeys, it will open up new jobs and homes for people, making a real difference to millions of lives.

Huw Merriman, Chair of Liverpool-Manchester Rail Partnership Board, said:

This is superb news for the North and for the entire country. NPR is a project I’ve long championed, as a former Chair of the Transport Select Committee, Rail Minister and now Chair of the Liverpool Manchester Railway Board, so it is excellent to see the government backing it in full from the outset, enabling proper planning and delivery that learns the lessons of HS2, as well as keeping options open for addressing North–South capacity on the West Coast Mainline.

The strong partnership between government and regional leaders will ensure the project reaches its full potential, with new rail infrastructure unlocking the region’s next chapter of growth and acting as a catalyst for new homes, jobs and skills

I look forward to working with the government and regional mayors to deliver on NPR’s potential ambition to better connect the UK and drive economic growth.

The current direct journey from Liverpool to Manchester Airport is one hour and 25 minutes, stopping 21 times over a distance of just 29 miles, meanwhile, Reading to London Paddington takes 22 minutes, covering 35 miles.   

The new direct line from Liverpool to Manchester Airport will give a huge boost to holiday-makers, commuters and businesses.   

To add more capacity at Manchester Airport sooner, plans have today been approved to lengthen platforms at the existing station to accommodate longer and more frequent trains, backed by £115 million.  

Meanwhile, there are only 2 fast trains an hour between Leeds and Manchester, which is a hugely popular route and suffers from severe overcrowding.

This landmark upgrade to rail travel is one of the central building blocks of a plan for the North – to be published in the spring. This will include plans for a northern growth corridor from Liverpool to York – which has the potential to be one of Europe’s great economic powerhouses. It will also include plans to make the most of economic opportunities right across the North, including in clean energy, defence and advanced manufacturing.  

The NPR plans are in addition to the Transpennine route upgrade, which will cut journey times between York and Manchester and Manchester and Leeds, create over 5,000 jobs, and support the development of 6,500 new homes in the region.   

This Northern Powerhouse Programme will unlock immediate benefits for residents, with new skilled jobs in the planning, development, design and construction of the project. The government is working closely with employers and local leaders to help fill local skills gaps and local colleges across the country will receive £570 million to expand their training facilities.

A funding cap of £45 billion will be set for the programme, including £1.1 billion over the current Spending Review period allocated from existing budgets first. Learning lessons from HS2, the government will work closely with local partners to ensure planning processes are carried out efficiently, and approvals are streamlined to reduce delays and prevent projects going over budget.   

The city regions of the North have huge untapped economic potential.   

Places like Sheffield and Newcastle have grown roughly twice as fast as the UK average since 2019, whilst Manchester has grown over 4 times as fast. Whilst Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter is the home to the future of life sciences, supporting over 400 businesses, hospitals, and universities in the city, driving pioneering business and research.   

Leeds and West Yorkshire are emerging as the ‘Northern square mile’ for financial services, while South Yorkshire is at the cutting edge on defence and advanced manufacturing and Newcastle’s growing research and innovation sector.   

To maximise NPR’s benefits and secure Britain’s future growth, the government is also setting out a long-term objective to see a full new north-south line from Birmingham to Manchester. This will ensure sufficient capacity and better connectivity on the West Coast Main Line, but it won’t be a revival of HS2 Phase 2. Instead, the government will launch a feasibility study, working with local partners on what will be delivered, when and to what specifications.

This will be an incremental programme, with improvements in the Northern growth corridor prioritised first and land already purchased between the West Midlands and Crewe will be retained in the meantime.

The government is working with mayors, other local leaders and businesses to announce a wider plan this spring for taking advantage of these strengths, firing up productivity and prosperity across the North. 

 This plan brings in existing work to unlock immediate benefits for residents, including work to help fill local skills gaps across the country, and will build on this with further policies to improve connectivity, revitalise cities and towns, support people with the skills to access new opportunities and support businesses to innovate and grow.