Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill - Clause 1 - Prohibition on franchise extensions and new franchises

I must draw attention to financial privilege being engaged by Lords amendment 2. If that amendment is agreed, I will cause a customary entry waiving Commons financial privilege to be entered in the Journal.

The Government opposes Lords amendment 1 as it is unnecessary, misleading, and potentially harmful. Amendment 2 would delay public ownership transfers and prolong the current franchising system which has inflicted misery on passengers, thus the House should oppose it.

Argues that Lords amendments put passengers at the heart of decision-making, requiring actions to improve their experience. He emphasises the public's desire for improved services and criticises the Government's use of selective performance data.

Supports the Bill but opposes Lords amendment 2. Argues that the point is to take all franchises into public ownership, not just the worst-performing ones. Criticises past performance of private operators and advocates for moving towards public control with minimal cost.

Supports Lords amendment 1, which requires the Secretary of State to improve passenger railway services. Emphasises that nationalisation alone will not solve all issues and calls for scrutiny of forthcoming rail reform Bill.

Supports the Government motion to disagree with the Lords amendment but does not specify a stance on Lords amendment 1. Argues for public ownership of rail franchises, highlighting benefits such as reinvestment in services and infrastructure.

Supports Lords amendment 2, which ranks franchise agreements by performance and nationalises franchises starting with the worst. Argues that this pragmatic approach puts passengers at the heart of the Bill.

The accessibility of public transport is crucial. Lords amendment 3 on the public sector equality duty is excellent, and step-free access improves service for all users including disabled people, parents with buggies, cyclists, and more. It leads to a greener future by reducing road traffic.

The SNP supports the Bill and Government’s position on Lords amendments. Improvements such as Inverness Airport station open up the railway to more people but define what constitutes performance improvement carefully. Public funds should be reinvested into railways, acknowledging governance has improved since privatisation.

Lords amendment 3 on public sector equality duty is transformative and ensures accountability for accessibility needs. Encourage working with rolling stock manufacturers to modernise trains for future generations, inspiring industry and international standards.

Echoing frustration with Opposition's position on performance. The Bill is a step towards reform, putting passengers first. Emphasises Government’s White Paper objectives for reliability, affordability, efficiency, quality, accessibility and safety.