Devon MP blames Labour inflation for potential train fare increase

Sir Mel Stride, Conservative MP for Central Devon, has criticised that inflation has doubled during the Labour government, and blames this for a proposed increase in train fares.

New figures released last week indicate that rail fares are set to rise 5.8% in 2026 if the government chooses to follow existing policy and increase fares in line with July’s Retail Price Index (RPI).

This means commuters would face a sizeable increase of around £1100 if travelling annually between Plymouth and London Paddington.

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A potential rise in England’s train fares next year has been described by public transport groups as “outrageous”.

Sir Mel Stride MP said: "Inflation has nearly doubled since Labour came to power - and its ordinary working families, already feeling the pinch, who are being hit hardest.

"Because train fares are tied to inflation - which Labour has allowed to spiral - commuters face another punishing hike in costs. Under Labour, even getting to work is becoming unaffordable."

The possible increase is especially significant for Devon, where average wages are lower than the national level, meaning any fare hike would have a further impact on household budgets.

Long-distance commuters from Plymouth already pay some of the highest season ticket prices in the country, with few realistic alternatives to the Great Western mainline.

An annual season ticket between Plymouth and London Paddington can cost nearly £20,000.

Business leaders in the South West have repeatedly stressed that affordable and reliable rail connections to London are vital for keeping Devon attractive to investors and tourists.