For far too long, Northern Rail has let down the people of East Durham. As a regular passenger, I’ve experienced the chaos first-hand. Whether it’s commuters trying to get to work, football fans heading to matches, or families out for shopping and nights out, the service at Seaham and Horden stations is completely unacceptable. From cancellations to two-carriage trains at peak teams, the situation at Seaham and Horden stations has become insufferable, especially during peak times.

By the end of 2024, cancellations had soared to shocking levels, leaving residents struggling to reach work, school, or vital appointments. This ongoing failure cannot continue.

Today, at Transport Questions, I raised this issue once again in Parliament. Ahead of the Secretary of State for Transport’s upcoming meeting with Northern Rail, I will be writing to her directly to outline the full extent of the problems my constituents face.

East Durham deserves better. It’s time for Northern Rail to provide the reliable service our communities urgently need.