Commons Sense

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Rail Reform

05 November 2025

Proposing MP
Heidi Alexander Lab
Swindon South
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Transport
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the need for urgent reform of Britain's railways and introduces the Railways Bill, which aims to create Great British Railways (GBR), a new publicly owned company to oversee rail operations.

Action Requested

I am introducing the Railways Bill to Parliament, which will establish GBR as a single organisation responsible for operating and improving the railway network. The bill also includes measures to simplify fares and ticketing, create a Passenger Watchdog, and enhance devolved leaders' roles in decision-making.

Key Facts

  • The Railways Bill aims to transform Britain’s railways with the creation of Great British Railways (GBR).
  • GBR will consolidate the work of 17 different organisations into one entity.
  • A Passenger Watchdog will set standards and resolve disputes.
  • England’s mayors, Scottish Ministers, and Welsh Ministers will have enhanced roles in decision-making.
  • The Accessibility Roadmap focuses on delivering immediate improvements for disabled passengers.
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