Philip Hammond, Secretary of State for Transport, stepped in at short notice to address members of the Lichfield Commuters’ Club in the House of Commons at their dinner last night (evening, Tuesday 3rd May).

“Philip Hammond spoke about the Government’s transport plans and, in particular, developments on the west coast mainline which links Lichfield with London and the north”, says Michael Fabricant.

“He then answered a series of questions about the new train operating companies, and entered into a lively discussion with the Club members about ticket pricing, railway station facilities, and the impact high speed rail might have on existing rail services.

“Philip stood in at short notice for another speaker who had dropped out. It was quite something to get the Secretary of State engaging in a relaxed round-table discussion with constituents from Lichfield, Burntwood and Abbots Bromley over dinner. It was a very successful evening for everyone attending. Philip later told me he was impressed with the calibre of the questions and he plans to implement a couple of the suggestions that were made over dinner.”

The Lichfield Commuters’ Club, which was founded by Michael Fabricant, has informal dinners two or three times a year at the House of Commons with guest speakers. Membership is open to all. Anyone interested in the existing train services between Lichfield and London as well as other destinations, should contact Michael giving an email address using the webform at

http://www.michael.fabricant.mp.co.uk/contact.ihtml