Transport

On 21 March 2025, Heathrow Airport experienced a significant power outage due to a fire at the North Hyde transformer substation, leading to extensive disruptions. The House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee held an oral evidence session on 2 April 2025 to investigate the incident, assess the response, and discuss future preventive measures, hearing from senior figures at Heathrow Airport, the National Grid, SSEN, and the Heathrow Airline Operators Committee.

Today, the UK Government has unveiled plans for a landmark Rail Reform Bill aimed at transforming the country’s railway system. The proposed legislation will introduce Great British Railways (GBR), a new unified body designed to bring track and train together, ensuring more reliable services and improving passenger experiences.

The UK Government has recently reaffirmed its support for airport expansion in the southeast, particularly focusing on the addition of a third runway at Heathrow Airport. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation’s air connectivity and stimulate economic growth.

Heidi Alexander, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Transport, brings a wealth of political experience to her role, underpinned by a career spanning local government, Parliament, and city-wide leadership. Her new role places her at the forefront of addressing the country’s transportation challenges, drawing on her varied political background.