Young Rail Professionals to host West Midlands policy discussion

Young Rail Professionals West Midlands will host a Question Time–style panel discussion in February, exploring the role of politics, policy and regional decision-making in shaping the future of rail across the West Midlands. 

The event, Politics in Rail: West Midlands YRP Question Time, will take place on Thursday 19th February 2026 at the WSP Office, The Mailbox and will bring together senior leaders from across the rail sector for an interactive evening of discussion and debate. 

UKTram is pleased to see light rail represented on the panel by Sophie Allison, Managing Director of West Midlands Metro and a UKTram Board Member, alongside senior voices from across the wider rail industry.  

"I'm really looking forward to being part of this discussion which will look at how politics and policy shape rail, while bringing different parts of the sector together. It’s especially important for early-career professionals to be involved in these conversations as they’ll play a key role in shaping the future.’’ 

The panel will be hosted by Paul Plummer and will include contributions from Andy Street, Stephen Barber, and Andy Clark. 

Discussions will focus on how political leadership, policy frameworks and regional priorities influence rail investment, delivery and long-term network development, with opportunities for attendees to ask questions and challenge ideas. 

The event forms part of Young Rail Professionals’ ongoing work to support skills development, knowledge-sharing and cross-sector understanding. As regions continue to invest in integrated, sustainable transport, forums such as this play an important role in helping early-career professionals engage with the wider context shaping the rail industry. 

Event details 

Date: Thursday, 19th February 2026 

Time: 17:30–19:00 (Panel debate and Q&A), followed by networking

Location: WSP Office, The Mailbox, Birmingham 

Further information: YRP West Midlands: Politics in Rail – WSP Office, The Mailbox, Birmingham