18.06.18
Politicians join RIA’s rail fellowship class of 2018
Politicians are set to be educated on the rail sector’s crucial importance to the UK through the Railway Industry Association’s (RIA) rail fellowship programme.
The programme will promote the work of the organisations that build, maintain and enhance the UK’s railways.
By placing politicians at state of the art sites, they will see the work carried out by highly skilled rail professionals.
Participating “fellows”, who will form the RIA Railway Fellowship Class of 2018, will spend a day on location with one of RIA’s member companies, whose work is relevant to their role or constituency.
They will also be recognised at the Annual RIA Parliamentary Reception, taking place on 27 November.
So far, MPs Lilian Greenwood, Priti Patel, Alison McGovern and Luke Pollard have been confirmed as founding members of the class of 2018.
Darren Caplan, chief executive of RIA, explained: “UK rail has a great narrative to tell, but too often only negative stories are reported.
“The RIA Rail Fellowship Programme is a fantastic opportunity to communicate this positive story to parliamentarians, so they can learn about the invaluable work which goes on and see for themselves the amazing progress our industry is making on innovation, skills and exports, and in delivering a world-leading rail network.”
He added: “With over £36bn being added to the economy every year from the rail industry, there is no doubt that rail is a highly important sector for the UK and it is important that it is recognised as such by policy-makers, influencers and commentators.
“It gives RIA great pleasure to welcome our founding “fellows” to the RIA Rail Fellowship Class of 2018, and we look forward to confirming more participants over the summer.”