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Rail bosses launching consultation for East West Rail links

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The eight-week consultation by East West Railway Company will run from Tuesday to June 9, 2026, offering communities along the route a vital opportunity to have their say on the latest plans.

Their contributions will help shape the final design of the railway, before a Development Consent Order applicatiion for government backing is submitted in 2027.

The consultation launch follows a petition urging the Government to intervene in delays to the opening to passengers of the East West Rail line between Oxford and Milton Keynes.

READ MORE: Petition to force progress on East West Rail line

A dispute between train guards and drivers and East West Rail line operator Chiltern Railways has caused delays.

Only freight trains are running on the route which connects Oxford, Oxford Parkway, and Bicester to Milton Keynes.

Dave Richardson, of Railfuture (Image: Contributed)

Dave Richardson, a spokesman for campaign group Railfuture, said: “The Oxford-Bletchley-Milton Keynes section is complete but no passenger trains are running, while the Bletchley-Bedford section is operational but needs a major upgrade.

“The Bedford-Cambridge section is a long-term aim as parts of it will need to be built from scratch while some of it will use existing routes. It’s due to open in the 2030s.”

A series of public drop-in events will now be held across the route to provide opportunities to talk with experts from EWR Co to find out more about the updated proposals, ask questions and submit feedback.

David Hughes, CEO for East West Rail Company, said: “This consultation marks a major milestone for East West Rail as we move closer to delivering a once-in-a-generation project that will transform connectivity across the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor.

“East West Rail is about far more than a new railway – it’s about unlocking opportunities for people and places, supporting new homes and jobs, and making it easier, faster and greener to travel between some of the UK’s most dynamic destinations.

“We’ve listened carefully to feedback to shape these latest designs, which include plans to deliver benefits earlier through phased construction, improve accessibility, and support our net zero ambitions through innovative, lower-carbon technology.

“I’d strongly encourage everyone along the route to take part in our last consultation.

“Your views are vital in helping us refine our plans and ensure East West Rail delivers lasting benefits for communities, businesses and the wider region for generations to come.”

One of the consultation events will be at the Kings Centre in Osney Mead, Oxford, on Tuesday, May 12, from 11am to 6pm.





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Tommy Robinson ‘not welcome in Oxford’ after ‘inciting riot’

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Oxford Stand Up To Racism has accused Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, of inciting the ‘awful violent scenes’ in Southampton on Tuesday night (June 2).

The city where 18-year-old Henry Nowak died and where his killer, Vickrum Digwa, lived became a scene of destruction after hundreds descended to smash car windows, hurl bricks and cause eleven officers and a police dog to be injured.

READ MORE: New date set for Tommy Robinson appearance in Oxford

Following the disorder, the chief of Hampshire police said those involved were ‘determined to spark fear and division’.

Screen grab taken from PA Video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. Vickrum Digwa was jailed at Southampton Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Digwa stabbed Henry to death with a Sikh kirpan ceremonial knife five times in the incident in Belmont Road, Southampton, on December 3 2025. Picture date: Tuesday June 2, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jamie Lashmar/PA WireScreen grab taken from a video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. (Image: Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire)

Yaxley-Lennon, who has been jailed multiple times for a variety of offences including when he was imprisoned in October 2024 for contempt of caught, addressed the crowd at the riot.

He said: “I heard someone say this wasn’t about race, this is about race.

“A white boy who done nothing was handcuffed, a murderer in possession of a knife who stabbed someone five times isn’t.”

Oxford Stand Up to Racism is now renewing its call for the Oxford Union to withdraw its invitation for the ‘riot agitator’ to speak on June 17 on the subject of Islam.

He was originally due to speak at the historic debating society on Thursday, May 28 before his appearance was postponed over security concerns and after massive backlash.

Oxford protest.A previous Stand Up to Racism protest in Oxford (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Major emergency response in Oxford as paramedics on scene

Ian McKendrick, a member of the anti-racism group, said: “Despite Henry Nowak’s family clearly requesting that his death should not be used to promote further hatred, Robinson was at the centre of protests in Southampton last night and clearly inciting violence.

“Giving him a televised platform at the Oxford Union legitimises hate and violence, and gives him the opportunity to incite violence to an audience of millions. 

“It does not promote free speech – instead, it promotes fear and intimidation among minoritised communities. 

“Already we have seen Oxford fascists alongside Robinson in Southampton and now mobilising to bring more hate onto Oxford’s streets.”

Tommy Robinson with protestors in SouthamptonTommy Robinson with protesters outside Southampton police station (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA)

Members of Raise the Colours: Oxfordshire were called to attend the Southampton protest on Tuesday night, with the leader of the group posting on Facebook to ask followers to join the ‘justice for Henry Nowak’ protest.

Mr McKendrick added: “There is a concerted effort by far right leaders and fascist groups to incite outrage and bring people on to the streets to riot.

READ MORE: Traffic chaos in Witney amid report of ‘major incident’

“We risk an explosion of violence similar to what we saw around the Southport murders across the UK.

“We’re calling on Oxford to say a clear ‘no’ to this hate and division by protesting against Yaxley-Lennon’s appearance at the Oxford Union.”

Faith and civic leaders of Oxford already wrote to the Oxford Union asking it to rescind the controversial figure’s invitation, and hundreds have signed an open letter calling for the same.





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Witney traffic chaos amid report of 'major incident' at junction

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A reported incident at a junction in Witney is causing traffic chaos in the town, with drivers coming off the A40 and elsewhere stuck in long queues.



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Major emergency response in Oxford as paramedics on scene

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An incident occurred in St Aldate’s, outside the entrance to Christ Church Meadows, at about 4pm on Tuesday, June 2.

At least three ambulances were responding to what appeared to be a medical emergency on the pavement.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire footbridge over A-road a collapse risk for years

An individual was scene on a stretcher being cared for by paramedics.

Ambulance medical incident St Aldate'sAt least three ambulances responded to what appeared to be a medical emergency in St Aldate’s, Oxford (Image: Contributed)

An eyewitness said the incident occurred opposite the Alice Shop, and the medical teams ‘evacuated’ the person.

Apart from the pavement briefly being blocked while the first responders dealt with the emergency, it did not appear to affect traffic or block the road in busy St Aldate’s.

South Central Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.





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