Letter from Lewis Atkinson MP to the CEO of network rail
Dear Jeremy,
Congratulations on taking up post as the new Chief Executive of Network Rail.
I am writing to demand answers about Network Rail’s failure over the last two years to deliver the functioning station that the people of Sunderland deserve and were promised.
The new southern entrance to the station was opened in December 2023, and Network Rail’s public communications at the time stated ‘finishing touches would be applied to the public realm surrounding the station over the next few months’.
Instead, the people of Sunderland endured unacceptable and prolonged periods where escalators, lifts, doors, toilets in the station were not functional. I understand this was in large part due to Network Rail’s failure to complete the commissioning of the station, including the resolution of snagging issues and activation of maintenance contracts.
Following my election as MP for Sunderland Central in July 2024, I began taking up these issues with Northern Trains (who manage the station). When it became apparent that significant issues fell under Network’s Rail responsibility, I made repeated attempts to contact your organisation. Under the leadership of your predecessor, there was no engagement and painfully slow progress. For example, I understand that Network Rail finally got around to completing escalator commissioning this September – a disgraceful 21 months since the station opened.
The people of Sunderland deserve to have a national public body like Network Rail delivering for them. Every week when I travel to Westminster, I note the thoroughness with which the redevelopment of King’s Cross was finished and contrast that with the lack of care shown in completing the redevelopment of Sunderland station.
To demonstrate accountability and a commitment that such failures will not be repeated, I ask:
Will you apologise to the people of Sunderland for Network Rail’s failure to complete the redevelopment of Sunderland station in a competent and timely manner?
Will you commit to an internal review of what went wrong, and share your assessment?
For any future work in Sunderland, will you commit to publicly-naming the accountable officer responsible for delivery and ensure they are responsive to the people of Sunderland and their elected representatives?
Given widespread public interest in Sunderland about this matter I am publishing this letter.
Yours sincerely,