In less than two months since being elected, Keir Starmer’s government has passed its first major reform in public services. The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill has cleared all stages in the Commons, paving the way for the renationalisation of Britain’s railways.
As a key part of the plan, the shadow Great British Railways has been set up to prepare for the new publicly owned railway service.
The Conservatives have criticized the Bill, accusing Labour of prioritizing ideology over financial efficiency. However, Labour’s swift progress on this legislation is seen as a signal to the left of a clear socialist agenda under Starmer’s leadership.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, who led the Bill through the Commons, said:
“Today, I am firing the starting gun on the biggest reforms to our railways in a generation. I am determined to end the chaos, delay, and disruption people face on train journeys every day.”