Heidi Alexander, the UK’s Transport Secretary, has met with some of those involved in last week’s shocking incident at Huntingdon.

Anthony Williams, from Peterborough, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after the multiple stabbings on board the LNER train last weekend.

Andrew Johnson, who was the driver of 1Y90 from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, met with Heidi alongside Rob Paper, who is a signaller for Network Rail, British Transport Police officers, as well as LNER Managing Director, David Horne.

Rob Pape took the emergency call from Andrew Johnson and worked to reroute the train to make the emergency stop at Huntingdon.

Heidi also visited Huntingdon, where she met with station staff from Govia Thameslink Railway.

It was an honour to meet some of the brave first responders to the horrific train attack in Huntingdon.

LNER’s train driver, Network Rail’s signaller, British Transport Police officers and the staff at Huntingdon station, told me about the actions they took on Saturday as the attack unfolded.

It was incredibly moving to hear, and it’s clear their quick thinking and selfless responses were nothing short of heroic.

The measures they took undoubtedly saved lives and it was a privilege to thank them in person today for their work.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander

Today has been a special morning as the Secretary of State met and personally thanked our driver, Andrew Johnson.

During last Saturday’s incident, he demonstrated quick thinking and stayed calm under pressure. Andrew is a humble man, but he should be very proud of his actions, just as we are at LNER.

It was also lovely for me to meet and thank Rob Pape, the Network Rail signaller who worked with Andrew to bring the train into Huntingdon that night.

Managing Director of LNER, David Horne

Having my actions recognised and thanked by the Secretary of State was very touching. As train drivers, we communicate regularly with signallers but rarely get to meet them.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet Rob and thank him for how we worked together on Saturday.

Andrew Johnson

It has been a real privilege and an honour to meet Andrew and thank him for his actions on Saturday. Throughout the emergency call, he remained calm, and it helped us take the decision to move the train into the nearest station at Huntingdon.

It is unusual to move that train off the fast line and into Huntingdon, but Andrew’s calmness and impressive route knowledge helped make it a seamless process. Those onboard are the heroes and my thoughts remain with those impacted.

Signaller for Network Rail, Rob Pape