MP warns of GWR chaos

David Reed, MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, is leading the charge in raising alarm over the extensive rail disruptions that will affect passengers in the South West and South Wales due to the ongoing construction of HS2 and the development of Old Oak Common station.

Old Oak Common, which will serve as a temporary terminus for HS2 until the full connection to Euston is completed in the early 2030s, is set to cause major disruptions to Great Western Railway (GWR) services for the next seven years.

The project will involve frequent closures and reduced capacity on the Great Western Main Line, significantly affecting vital rail connections between the South West and London.

David Reed MP has raised several key concerns regarding the impact of the HS2 construction on rail services in the South West. One of the major issues is the extended journey times, as diversions to London Euston during closures are expected to add around 15 minutes to journeys from East Devon, with some services even terminating as far back as Reading.

Additionally, long-term closures of Paddington Station, including blockades over the Christmas period and lasting until 2030, will severely limit passenger services.

The ongoing disruptions also pose a significant threat to the economies of the South West and South Wales, both of which rely on reliable rail connections for business, tourism, and livelihoods.

David Reed has been working closely with the Peninsula Rail Task Force, which advocates for better rail infrastructure across the region, to address these concerns. He also raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions, directly pressing for reassurances on how the Government plans to assess and mitigate the adverse effects of the project.

In response, the Prime Minister has committed to facilitating a meeting between Reed and the Rail Minister, where Reed will push for a comprehensive mitigation plan.

In a statement, David Reed MP said, "The South West has been taking the brunt of projects designed to benefit the capital, the Midlands, and the North for over a decade. While I understand the long-term benefits HS2 may bring to the country, the immediate and prolonged disruptions are deeply concerning for everyone in the South West. The construction of HS2 brings no tangible benefit to the people of East Devon, yet it threatens to bring years of significant disruption and delays."

Reed has called for a united approach from MPs across the South West, regardless of political affiliation, to demand action from the Government. He stressed the importance of safeguarding the region’s transport links and ensuring that the South West’s economy is protected from the impact of these disruptions.