MP's focus on better rail in maiden speech

NEW SOUTH WEST DEVON MP URGES BETTER LINKS TO CITY

- ANNETTE BELCHER

SOUTH West Devon’s new MP Rebecca Smith has called for improved train services as part of her first speech in the House of Commons.

As part of her maiden speech on Tuesday, the MP paid tribute to mentor and former member for South West Devon, Sir Gary Streeter, and the female MPs of Plymouth before her.

She thanked Mr Streeter for his 32 years of devoted service to constituents and pledged to pick up where he left off, in campaigning for vital transport and infrastructure improvements to benefit South West Devon and the far South West.

Speaking during the debate of the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill, Ms Smith set out her transport agenda for the region.

She said: “I will be campaigning, alongside cross-party colleagues, to see the new government commit to completing the remedial works at Dawlish.