Full steam ahead for rail nationalisation as landmark plan becomes law

LONDON: Flagship Government plans to renationalise rail passenger services have become law.

The granting of royal assent to the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill was announced by the Lord Speaker Lord McFall of Alcluith at the start of proceedings in the upper chamber on Thursday.

The landmark legislation will enable the Government to take over services from private firms as their franchises expire or are broken.

This will allow the administration to avoid having to pay fees to companies for ending existing contracts early. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said in a statement: “This marks a historic moment for our railways.

“For far too long, passengers have faced unacceptable levels of delays, cancellations and unreliability under a fragmented, privatised system – but not on my watch.

“We are overhauling how things are run and focusing on creating a stronger, more reliable network. This Act is one of the first major pieces of legislation to receive royal assent under this Government and is a huge win for frustrated passengers up and down the country.

“Change starts now, and this marks the start of our journey to create a publicly owned railway that we can all be proud of again.” During the passage of the legislation through Parliament, the Government announced a package of measures aimed at ensuring improvements for disabled rail passengers, including making clear in law that publicly owned train operators are subject to a legally binding equality duty.