25 April 2024
The Labour party has set out its plans for UK rail, ahead of the forthcoming General Election. These plans include:
- Delivering a rail-experts led Great British Railways and new railways legislation early in the next Parliamentary session;
- Providing a long-term strategy, which outlines the role of rail in economic growth, levelling-up, delivering an integrated transport network, and helping to achieve Net Zero; and
- Seeking to deliver taxpayer value for money in rail.
Responding, RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan, said: “It is important that the political parties set out their plans on what they would do if they won the forthcoming General Election, and so the Railway Industry Association welcomes the Labour party’s contribution to the debate on the future of UK rail.
“We welcome the pledge to make rail reform a priority early in the next parliament, which would give certainty to our members about the future structure of the railway industry, and also the commitment to a long-term strategy, which RIA has been calling for in recent years. It is also positive that rail is recognised as essential to economic growth, integrated transport connectivity, levelling up the nations and regions of the country, and in helping to deliver Net Zero; and that there is a need to deliver value for money for the taxpayer in rail.
“We now look forward to hearing others’ contribution to the debate on the future of rail.”