No devolution unless necessary - Rail Minister

Devolution has a vital role for the railways, but should not be introduced unless necessary, according to Rail Minister Paul Maynard.

Speaking at an All-Party Parliamentary Group reception at Westminster on September 7, hosted by Rail North, Maynard said: “Devolution should not be done just for devolution’s sake. I want councillors to have more powers because it will be local decisions being made. That way people can, for example, look at HS2 and ask how we can make benefits from it. You need a clear focus.”

• To read more on this, and what Labour's reaction to the claim was, read RAIL 810, published on September 28.