Heidi Alexander

Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, joins Conservative MP David Simmonds, political editor Ava Evans, and journalist Tim Montgomerie for a spirited discussion. They tackle the contentious two-child benefit cap and its ties to child poverty, as well as upcoming budget strategies without tax hikes. The panel debates doctors' pay demands amidst NHS challenges and examines criminal justice reform, highlighting the need for better safety measures for women and rehabilitation options for offenders. They conclude with insights on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, blending personal anecdotes with political complexities.

Heidi Alexander, the new Transport Secretary, discusses her debut at the Transport Select Committee, where her communication style sparks comparisons to her predecessor. She faces scrutiny over the sluggish progress towards Great British Railways, expected by 2027, emphasizing the need for independent decision-making. The conversation tackles staffing concerns linked to rail decarbonization and critiques financial mismanagement. Plus, there's a peek into innovative tunneling techniques and a roundup of railway news, including the Northumberland line's surge in passenger journeys.