To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, in which reporting periods GTR's performance has met the specified benchmarks set out in the franchise agreement since that agreement was signed.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) were compliant with their performance benchmarks until March 2015, when they triggered a Remedial Plan Notice from the Department, culminating in an agreed Remedial Plan. GTR remained compliant with the Remedial Plan benchmarks until industrial relations issues, which commenced in April 2016, caused significant disruption to services meaning performance benchmarks have been exceeded.

However, GTR are entitled to claim Force Majeure against this disruption as per the terms of their Franchise Agreement, which they have done, and this may lead to changes in their position against each benchmark. We are currently discussing the Force Majeure claim with GTR before making our final determination.