Press Release 07-08-2026
Northampton-Bedford rail link Must Not Be Left Behind as Minister Rules Out Direct East West Rail Services!The British Regional Transport Association (BRTA) has revealed that direct East West Rail services to Northampton are "not currently planned despite representations made by Northampton South MP Mike Reader.
In a letter from Rail Minister Lord Hendy, released following a Freedom of Information request,
the Government confirms that Northampton passengers will instead be expected to access East West Rail through connections at Milton Keynes Central and Bletchley.
The Minister's response comes as the Government commits £1.3 billion of transport and supporting infrastructure investment linked to the Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedfordshire, a development expected to attract around 8.5 million visitors in its first year when it
opens in 2031.
The project is also forecast to contribute almost £50 billion to the UK economy by 2055.
The BRTA believes that securing direct rail connectivity between Northampton and destinations
served by East West Rail should now become Northamptonshire's number one strategic
transport objective.
Professor Andrew N. Williams, BRTA Northamptonshire Representative, said:
"While Lord Hendy acknowledges the importance of East West Rail, his response fails to answer the fundamental questions raised by Mike Reader MP in the House of Commons.
The letter contains no assessment of the potential demand for direct Northampton services, no analysis of the economic benefits such services could bring, and no explanation of why passengers from one of England's largest towns should be expected to change trains while
major new transport investment is being directed elsewhere.
This represents a once-in-a-century opportunity for Northamptonshire. The Universal United
Kingdom Resort, East West Rail and the wider Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor have the potential to reshape economic activity across the region for decades to come.
Northampton cannot be expected to watch from the platform while billions of pounds of investment pass through neighbouring counties.
Direct connectivity with East West Rail should now be Northamptonshire's foremost transport priority."
Richard Pill, Chief Executive of the BRTA, added:
"Lord Hendy's letter offers Northampton little reassurance.
Ministers rightly argue that East West Rail is intended to unlock economic growth across the region, yet Northampton currently remains outside plans for direct services.
If the Government is prepared to invest £1.3 billion in transport infrastructure to support the Universal United Kingdom Resort, it is entirely reasonable for Northamptonshire to expect a proper assessment of direct rail connectivity to one of the most significant economic and tourism developments in modern Britain.
The case for direct Northampton services should be evaluated through transparent analysis of
demand, economic benefits and operational feasibility. Decisions of this importance should be
based on evidence, not assumptions.
The people of Northamptonshire will rightly expect all elected representatives, regardless of
party, to work together to secure the county's fair share of the opportunities arising from East West Rail and the Universal United Kingdom Resort."
The BRTA is therefore calling on the Department for Transport, East West Rail Company, local
authorities and Northamptonshire's Members of Parliament to work together to commission and
publish detailed studies into the economic, transport and tourism benefits of direct Northampton
services before future service patterns are finalised.
The Association further believes that Northamptonshire should develop a unified strategy for securing direct access to East West Rail destinations, ensuring that the county is fully connected to the opportunities arising from the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and the Universal United Kingdom Resort.
Northamptonshire has a narrow window in which to secure its place within the emerging Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. The BRTA believes that failure to examine the case for direct East West Rail services would represent a missed opportunity of historic proportions for the county.
Notes to Editors
East West Rail will provide a new strategic railway linking Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford
and Cambridge.
The Universal United Kingdom Resort is planned to open in 2031 and is expected to
attract approximately 8.5 million visitors in its first year
The Government has announced £1.3 billion of transport and supporting infrastructure
investment associated with the Bedfordshire development.
The project is forecast to contribute almost £50 billion to the UK economy by 2055.
The BRTA is an independent voluntary organisation campaigning for improved public transport
and strategic rail development throughout the United Kingdom.
Ends"
Further comment: Professor Andrew N. Williams BRTA Northampton Area Rep 07923 490254 or Richard Pill (BRTA CEO) ceo@brtarail.com
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