Join Simon Calder’s complimentary travel newsletter for professional tips and budget-friendly deals.
Receive Simon Calder’s Travel email.
The transportation secretary, Mark Harper, stated that it is improbable for the legislation to revamp Britain’s railways to be approved before the upcoming general election.
The introduction of Great British Railways (GBR), initially suggested in May 2021, was featured in a preliminary Rail Reform Bill during last week’s King’s Speech.
However, Mr. Harper anticipates that the legislation will not be approved during the current session of parliament, as a general election is likely to occur next year.
The member of the cabinet informed the Transport Select Committee in the House of Commons that it is doubtful for us to move forward with complete legislation during this session.
According to him, the reason for this is that “we won’t have enough time”, but he also emphasized the significance of thoroughly examining the bill.
The committee members and other relevant parties’ contributions will undoubtedly lead to enhancements, resulting in the bill being in its best form possible to facilitate its approval in Parliament, according to him.
The chairman of the committee, Tory MP Iain Stewart, asked Mr Harper about the legislation, stating that it is relatively straightforward and that there has already been a consultation on it. He questioned what the purpose of further scrutiny would be.
According to Mr. Harper, the issue is not as straightforward as it may seem, given the ongoing debate surrounding it.
I believe that individuals’ perspectives on this matter are not as simple as they may seem.
There are varying perspectives on the goals of the legislation and conflicting views from different sectors of the industry.
The plans for GBR include assigning operating contracts to train companies and overseeing rail infrastructure.
The introduction of this was disclosed by former transportation secretary Grant Shapps in a written report in May 2021.
The Williams-Shapps Rail Plan was formed after a review conducted by Keith Williams, former chief executive of British Airways, which was initiated in September 2018.
Source: independent.co.uk
