Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan, has been recognised for his support for the rail industry - taking part in the (RIA) Rail Fellowship Programme.

An award was presented by the Railway Industry Association, the organisation for UK rail supply businesses to Dr Mullan - following his visit to local Crewe company Unipart Rail on Gresty Road - back in May 2021.

Part of Dr Mullan's work has been to support and gain a better understanding of the local railway sector.

The Rail Fellowship Programme places politicians at state-of-the-art sites where highly skilled rail professionals showcase the work they do.

Dr Mullan was provided with a deeper understanding of the railway industry in Crewe - enhancing the opportunities for him to support it locally and promote it in Parliament.

The Crewe MP headed back to Unipart Rail to celebrate the Fellowship award with the companies leadership and staff.

He stated: "The rail industry has always been so important to Crewe and is home to many nationally and internationally leading firms who bring jobs and investment to Crewe and the surrounding area.

"That is why we are well placed to take advantage of investment in the railways, HS2 in particular.

"It is for this reason that I am also campaigning hard for Crewe to be home of the Great British Railways HQ – I can think of no better place.

"Thank you to the RIA and Unipart for all of the hard work you do for the rail industry up and down the country, keeping our rail network running."

Kelly Warburton, Unipart Chief Commercial Officer, UK and Europe, said: "It's so important to our community to have a good relationship with our MP, and the Rail Fellowship award has brought us together to work in the best interests of Crewe, our business and our team.

"We were very happy to have Kieran back to our site to receive the award personally from us, and to catch up on local initiatives."

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: "The Railway Industry Association is optimistic about the future of UK rail.

"It is clear that post pandemic passengers and freight are returning, and so now is not the time take the foot off the pedal for rail investment.

"In line with this positive outlook, RIA has been bringing to life for political decision makers and influencers the exciting and innovative work the rail supply sector is carrying out, by showcasing the RIA Rail Fellowship Programme.

"This was set up with the simple purpose of bringing politicians together with the rail supply chain, and since its establishment in 2018, we've seen more than 30 politicians visit RIA members across the UK, learning about the vital work they do to keep the railway network running.

"The Fellowship Class of 2020-21, who we celebrate today, engaged with the industry at a particularly crucial time, as the sector supported the UK during the pandemic - getting key workers and resources around the country, keeping passengers safe and supporting the national economy.

"I'd like to thank all the politicians and RIA members who took part in the programme this year. The next Class of 2022 has already begun, with Bob Blackman MP visiting a rail depot last week.

"We look forward to hosting many more politicians from across the UK to sites over the coming year."

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