The High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) has announced the appointment of Huw Merriman, former Rail Minister and Chair of the Transport Select Committee, as its Non-Executive Chair. The move is viewed as pivotal for the UK rail sector as the government seeks to leverage infrastructure investment to turbocharge economic growth.
Mr Merriman, who served as Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle from 2015 to 2024, brings significant political insight to the HSRG leadership team. His chairmanship was formally confirmed this month (October 2025), following approval by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA).
A Dedicated Rail Champion
Mr Merriman served as Minister of State for Rail, HS2, and Regional Transport at the Department for Transport between October 2022 and July 2024. During his ministerial tenure, he championed the shift from road to rail, strongly promoted rail apprenticeships and workforce upskilling, and supported the growth of the freight sector. He was also instrumental in driving forward key projects, including the East West Rail project, the Transpennine Route Upgrade, and the Northumberland Line.
Prior to his ministerial role, Mr Merriman chaired the influential Transport Select Committee for almost three years. Despite the subsequent withdrawal of support for HS2 Phase 2(a), Mr Merriman has remained a long-standing advocate for the project, once describing it as “the railway of the future.”
The HSRG, a leading industry body, expressed delight at the appointment, welcoming such a dedicated advocate for UK rail to its leadership team. The group is committed to advancing the successful and efficient delivery of the UK’s rail infrastructure, particularly high speed rail, to drive socio-economic growth and strengthen regional connectivity.
Mr Merriman currently serves as Chair of the Liverpool–Manchester Railway Partnership Board, where he works with Mayors Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester) and Steve Rotheram (Liverpool City Region) to deliver a new railway between the two cities as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Focusing on Connectivity and Efficiency
The HSRG’s current focus includes the re-scoping of HS2 to a Euston to Crewe core, which is seen as crucial to providing urgently needed national transport capacity between London, the West Midlands, and the North West.
Commenting on his appointment, Huw Merriman, Chair, High Speed Rail Group, said: “I have long championed rail as central to driving economic growth, connecting communities and supporting a more sustainable transport network. The UK now stands at an important crossroad for high speed rail. While progress on HS2 since the reset is encouraging, crucial decisions on Northern connectivity are still awaited. It is vital that these decisions fully reflect the opportunities for improved connectivity, increased capacity and regional growth.”
He stressed the importance of learning from past challenges, particularly as the UK celebrates the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
“At the same time, as the UK celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway, we must learn from recent challenges across the rail industry and ensure new projects are delivered on time, on budget and in a way that maximises both transport and economic benefits. Developing a national, integrated rail network that connects North, South, East and West is in the national interest so I look forward to supporting and advising the High Speed Rail Group as it continues to make the case for high speed rail as a driver of national prosperity, innovation and opportunity.”
