Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney is calling on ministers to block cuts in rail services to key commuter stations in North Sheen, Mortlake and Barnes.

Services have been reduced as a result of the pandemic, but now South Western Railway (SWR) is planning to make many of these permanent from December 2022.

The company is currently carrying out a consultation on the cuts, which will also bring major reductions in services to other stations across south west London, which are being opposed by the Twickenham MP, Munira Wilson.

The MP challenged ministers in the House of Commons on Thursday over the cuts in services, which she said were at odds with efforts to encourage people to use public transport.

In a question to Transport ministers, she said: "Would the Secretary of State agree with me that as London returns to work, as commuters are beginning to get back on the train, but also back into their cars, that it is really important that we encourage people, as much as possible, back on to public transport.

"In my constituency we are expecting the construction of 1,500 flats in the next few years. Would he agree with me this is no time to be cutting South Western Railway services to North Sheen, Mortlake and Barnes?"

Transport minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said: "South Western Railways is doing a consultation and it will shape the future of services. It is important that it is viewed as a consultation that we will listen to."

Nub News revealed earlier this week that the London TravelWatch, which is the official watchdog representing the interests of transport users across the capital, is challenging the cuts.

Its director, Emma Gibson, said: "These look like significant cuts….The trains not only serve commuters but also provide important links for people moving around in south west and west London.

"Premature cuts to service could put a lot of people off returning to the railway and disadvantage those who have no choice but to travel.

People can share their views on the planned cuts here.

South Western Railway claims the plan to cut services is part of an initiative to 'build back a better railway for the future'.

It said: "Since March 2020, we have been supported by the Government to run a reduced service that has kept key workers moving. This period has shown that our performance improves significantly when we are able to run fewer trains while still meeting customer demand for our services.

"Even though passengers are now returning to the railways, all the forecasts suggest they will not return to pre-Covid levels for the foreseeable future. The December 2022 timetable is our opportunity to plan for a long-term timetable that will retain the reliability improvements we've made, meet the forecast demand and provide value for the taxpayer while balancing other local and national priorities."