RIA welcomes new DfT Rail Minister Kevin Foster MP

Today it has been announced that Kevin Foster, MP for Torbay, has been appointed as Minister of State for Transport with responsibility for rail. 

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association, said: “On behalf of RIA and our members, I’d like to welcome Kevin Foster to his new position as Minister of State for Transport with responsibility for rail. 

“As the country continues to recover from the aftermath of the pandemic, this is an exciting but challenging time for the railway industry. The rail supply sector is a key contributor to economic growth and jobs, but the industry needs the right support from Government to make the most of its future potential. 

“RIA’s recent six asks of the new Government sets out what we think this support should look like - ranging from making sure there is no hiatus in rail work during the transition to GBR, and ensuring major projects such as HS2, East West Rail and Northern Powerhouse Rail are delivered in full. 

“I’d also like to put on record our thanks to Wendy Morton, the previous Rail Minister, for all of her hard work on behalf of the supply sector. We hope to continue to work with Ms Morton in her new role within Government and as a constituency MP.”  

1. About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 300+ companies in membership in a sector that contributes £43 billion in economic growth and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 710,000 people. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK; for every £1 spent in rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk