Since my last update in September, the rail industry has faced two notable incidents that remind us of the importance of safety and resilience. The incident involving an LNER service at Huntingdon on 1 November was deeply concerning. Just a few days later, we then responded to the derailment of an Avanti service at Shap in Cumbria. While we cannot always control the factors that affect our operations, in times like this, I was reminded of how the railway acts as a family, and I want to acknowledge the swift response of all involved.

I previously shared that operator responsible cancellations remain low (TOC on Self). We’ve seen some seasonal increases over the last Period, and cancellations have averaged at 2.5% between 14 September – 6 December 2025. As we move into the winter months, this will be a particular focus for our work with Network Rail. Period 07 saw cancellations at 1.9%, Period 8 at 1.8% and Period 9 at 3.9%.

However, we know there is more to be done to improve punctuality. Over 60% of delays are due to infrastructure issues - including trespass and weather-related issues - and we continue to work closely with Network Rail and other industry partners through our Joint Improvement Plan, which includes a range of actions to reduce delays. You can find out most recent fact sheet on this here.

Many of you will be aware that earlier this week, we launched our new December timetable that means we're delivering more services on the West Coast Main Line. These further services include two trains per hour between London Euston and Liverpool Lime Street throughout most of the day, and additional stops at Liverpool South Parkway and Hartford.

I’m also delighted to say that the Office of Rail and Road has now given us permission to reinstate the 07:00 Manchester to Euston weekday service as part of our December timetable. The original decision would have had a detrimental impact on customers who use this train, and this development is a welcome boost for customers, and the wider economy.

As we approach the festive period, Network Rail will carry out major upgrade works across the network between 27 December and 14 January. We're working hard to keep passengers on trains for as much of their journey as possible. You can find out more here.

Our team have had a busy end to 2025, filled with opportunities to connect and collaborate with a range of stakeholders. In Parliament, we partnered with Network Rail to host a drop-in to engage MPs, and I presented an update to MPs at the West Coast Main Line All Party Parliamentary Group We also partnered with the New Statesman for an insightful roundtable discussion with industry and political leaders exploring how rail can power the UK's growth mission. You can read the write up from this event here. Beyond Westminster, I shared regional updates with leaders from across the North at the Rail North Committee, and the Liverpool Combined Authority.

We’ve also been working closely with our community partners on a number of fronts. On Remembrance Day a uniquely wrapped Pendolino, featuring a striking poppy design, carried a wreath assembled onboard by veterans, reservists, and volunteers. To mark White Ribbon Day, a striking mural was unveiled at Birmingham International station, which encourages men to speak up in preventing violence against women and girls. We were also delighted to welcome our Community Rail Partners to Preston for our Annual Community Conference – an inspiring day of celebrating successes and planning for the next year ahead. This coincides with the latest round of our Customer and Communities Improvement Fund – designed to support projects that make a positive difference along the West Coast Main Line.

Finally, you may have seen our new Christmas campaign launched in partnership with the Railway Children - the campaign focusses on Your Presence is Presents Enough, a short film to help identify and support vulnerable children. It's an incredibly important message to support throughout the Christmas period. Please do take a look at it here.

As we look to 2026, I look forward to building on this momentum and work with all our partners to improve punctuality, and delivery greater benefits for our customers.

Thank you for your engagement throughout the year – I wish you season's greetings, and a happy New Year.