Department for Transport responds to West Coast criticism

“The independent Laidlaw inquiry published in December identified the unique and exceptional circumstances which led to failures in the West Coast franchising programme and crucially what steps the Department should take to prevent this from happening again."

“The Department has accepted all the recommendations and has taken immediate steps by bringing together all rail activity under a single Director General and recruiting a senior director to lead the franchising programme, as well as improving internal governance and strengthening oversight and accountability. Not only will these reinforce the franchising process but will also protect rail infrastructure projects such as HS2 and the biggest programme of rail electrification.”