Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Rail Update

20 February 2024 · Department for Transport

Proposed by Mark Harper Con Forest of Dean

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The minister is laying out the government's response to the consultation on legislation needed for rail reform.
  • The draft Rail Reform Bill is being published ahead of pre-legislative scrutiny by the Transport Select Committee.
  • The bill aims to establish Great British Railways, an arm's-length body focused on creating a more efficient and modern rail system.

Issue summary

The minister is laying out the government's response to the consultation on legislation needed for rail reform and publishing the draft Rail Reform Bill.

Action requested

The draft Rail Reform Bill is being published ahead of pre-legislative scrutiny by the Transport Select Committee. It aims to establish Great British Railways, a customer-focused arm’s-length body that will oversee railway infrastructure, operations, and finance, aiming to create a more efficient and modern rail system.

Key facts

  • The draft Rail Reform Bill is being published.
  • Pre-legislative scrutiny by the Transport Select Committee will review the bill.
  • Great British Railways will be established as a new customer-focused arm’s-length body.
  • Nearly 2,500 responses were received during the consultation process.
  • Network North investments are mentioned as part of railway infrastructure improvements.
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