New Devon MP fights for better rail links in first speech

A Devon MP has used her maiden speech in the House of Commons to advocate for critical rail improvements in South West Devon. 

Rebecca Smith, the newly elected representative for the area, delivered her first speech on Tuesday, 3 September, where she emphasised the urgent need for better rail connectivity to support local communities and the region's economy.

During the debate on the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill, Ms Smith laid out her transport agenda, beginning with a call to complete the ongoing Dawlish resilience works.

She said: “I will be campaigning, alongside cross-party colleagues, to see the new government commit to completing the remedial works at Dawlish. They must also ensure that forthcoming HS2 works at Old Oak Common in London, do not hamper the welcome progress made in improving our journey times from London to the south west.

Ms Smith also focused on the needs of Ivybridge, a growing town in her constituency, arguing that CrossCountry trains should stop at Ivybridge station in addition to those operated by Great Western Railway.

“As the population of Ivybridge and nearby Sherford grows, having adequate access to mainline train services closer than Plymouth, Totnes, or Tiverton Parkway is essential,” she added.

“Our railway system needs to drive forward into the middle of the twenty-first century, not creep backwards to the 1970s,” Ms Smith asserted, emphasising that the mainline through Devon and Cornwall is a "lifeline" for residents and workers, not just a route for holidaymakers.

Ms Smith also paid tribute to her predecessor in her speech, Sir Gary Streeter, thanking him for his 32 years of dedicated service to the constituency. She pledged to continue his work by campaigning for vital infrastructure upgrades that would benefit South West Devon and the far South West.

Ms Smith urged the Labour Government to deliver on existing plans for a metro railway line in Plymouth, which would include a stop in Plympton. 

She argued that this line is crucial for unlocking the economic potential of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, particularly with the proposed reopening of the line between Plymouth and Tavistock.

In her concluding remarks, Ms Smith called on the government to stay focused on completing the Dawlish line resilience works, addressing any potential disruptions from HS2, and advancing new transport solutions for South West Devon. 

She pledged to hold the government accountable to ensure that these vital infrastructure projects move forward, benefiting communities across the region.