Story by Rory Poulter

The Richmond Park MP has called on the government to freeze rail fares, rather than pushing ahead with a punishing price rise in January.

Sarah Olney said the bold measure would help those struggling amid the cost of living crisis while combatting climate change by encouraging people back on to the trains.

Speaking in the House of Commons this week, she said: "Many of my constituents in Richmond Park rely heavily on the railways, and rising fares are hitting hard during the cost of living crisis.

"I therefore challenge the Minister to freeze ticket fares, to help support working people whilst encouraging the use of public transport."

She added: "For my constituents in Richmond Park the cost of commuting continues to weigh very heavily, particularly during the cost of living crisis.

"And it is also, of course, key if we want to encourage people onto the trains and out of their cars that we make trains affordable."

In theory, the government would be able to increase fares by July RPI measure of inflation – 12.3% - however ministers have pledged to go for a lower rise.

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However, the MP said the government should go further, saying: "I wonder if you might perhaps instead commit to freezing rail fares – and not increase them in January – to help with the cost of living crisis, and also the fight against climate change."

There is speculation that the increase will be less than 10 per cent and that the rise could be delayed from January to March, however all plans have been thrown into the air as a result of the turmoil in government, changing priorities and ministerial teams.