The Young Rail Professionals London & South East Committee is delighted to present the 2026 edition of Politics in Rail, one of our largest and most anticipated annual events.

This year's theme, "The Future of Rail", reflects both the railway industry's current position and the significant transformation expected over the coming years. Bringing together influential leaders from across the sector, the panel will explore the key issues, opportunities and emerging trends shaping Britain's railway. Through an open and engaging discussion, speakers will share their perspectives on the challenges facing the industry today and the innovations, reforms and investment needed to deliver the railway of tomorrow.

Representing a broad range of disciplines and viewpoints, our distinguished panel will provide expert insight into the future development of rail across policy, infrastructure, operations, safety, strategy and the supply chain.

This event is proudly sponsored by Matchtech, a leading recruitment and talent solutions provider to the rail and transportation industry. Their support reflects a shared commitment to investing in future talent and creating opportunities for young professionals to engage with industry leaders and shape the future of rail.

Date: Thursday 26 November 2026
Time: 18:00 - 19:30, followed by networking and refreshments
Venue: RSSB 25 Fenchurch Ave, London EC3M 5AD

Panel Speakers
Rt Hon Ruth Cadbury MP - Chair of the Transport Select Committee and Labour MP for Brentford & Isleworth, bringing a policy and parliamentary perspective on the future of rail.

Sarah-Jane Crawford - Industry Partnership Director for the East Coast Digital Programme at Network Rail, leading one of Britain's most significant digital railway transformation programmes.

Alejandro Moreno - Rail & Transit Market Director at AtkinsRéalis, with over 20 years' experience delivering major rail programmes and leading transformation across the industry.

Mark Phillips - Chief Executive of RSSB since 2016, providing strategic insight on industry standards, safety and the future direction of the railway.

Peter Graham - Policy & Government Affairs Director at Freightliner, representing the freight sector and the role of rail in supporting economic growth.

Moderator: Mark Ovenden - Author, broadcaster and transport commentator, widely recognised for his work on transport, design and railway history.

Event Agenda
17:30 - 18:00
Arrival, registration and refreshments
18:00 - 18:05
Welcome from Young Rail Professionals London & South East Committee
18:05 - 18:55
Panel Discussion: The Future of Rail
Moderated discussion featuring our panelists, guided by pre-submitted questions.
18:55 - 19:30
Audience Q&A
An opportunity for attendees to put their questions directly to the panel.
19:30 onwards
Networking and refreshments

The discussion will be conducted under Chatham House Rules to encourage open and candid debate.
We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be another thought-provoking and insightful Politics in Rail discussion!