Rail sector responds to Labour’s general election victory | Rail Business UK

UK: Organisations across the rail sector have responded to the July 4 general election result, which saw the opposition Labour Party win a landslide victory over the previous Conservative government. Labour’s policies include nationalising passenger train operators as existing contracts with private sector operators expire.

Louise Haigh, the re-elected MP for Sheffield Heeley, was appointed Secretary of State for Transport in Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet on 5 July, having previously served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

Operators

Andy Bagnall, Chief Executive of the Train Operators’ Owners’ Group Association Railway Partnerssaid that “the railways face significant challenges and rail companies agree that urgent rail reform is necessary. Getting this reform right is crucial to the UK’s economic growth, sustainability and public finances.

“Rail Partners and its members look forward to working with the new Transport Secretary and her wider ministerial team to ensure that rail meets the expectations of passengers and freight customers.”

Supply chain

Railway Industry Association CEO Darren Caplan said: “We are calling on the new government to deliver on the five key demands of the RIA Manifesto that we and our members set out: publishing a long-term rail strategy; reforming the rail sector; accelerating the procurement of new trains and modernising low-emission networks; supporting a sustainable supply chain; and leveraging private investment.”

Railway Forum Chief Executive Elaine Clark said: “We look forward to working with the new administration to improve the industry and our supply chain.”

Harvey Weaver, Partner, Infrastructure, Law Firm Ashursthe said “in its manifesto, the new Labour government has set out its objectives for a number of energy and infrastructure initiatives, in particular the establishment of Great British Energy and Great British Railways. As the new administration takes office, the market will be interested to see how quickly it gets this done.”

Europe and India CEO Colin Wood said:AECOM and our colleagues across the sector stand ready to help deliver on Labour’s promise to deliver a 10-year infrastructure strategy and establish a National Infrastructure and Services Transformation Authority. Both initiatives are good news for the sector and have the potential to provide the long-term stability, governance and, crucially, confidence in delivery needed to attract the private capital that is needed to fund many of these projects.

Kate Jennings, CEO Consulting and Engineering Association “Our members have many answers to the big questions around infrastructure, nature and climate resilience; by working with government, we want to help meet their myriad demands and focus on the most important measures that will shape thriving and safe communities and ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the future,” he said.

David Pitt, UK Rail Vice President Silver Railcalled on the new government “to leverage advanced technologies provided by the private sector to eliminate fragmentation and make rail transport less complicated for passengers.”

He said Labour should “promote a strategic approach to retail” under the Great British Railways brand, through a “co-ordinated retail offer” including the GBR website, app, stations and smart kiosks, as well as enabling retailers to sell tickets.

Trade Associations

Mick Whelan, General Secretary of the Train Drivers’ Union SLEEFHe called for “a future that develops green, integrated transport rather than protecting the failed private interests of a quarter-century of rail privatisation.”

He said that “we need a government that develops infrastructure and industry and builds a future for all after years of unnecessary conflict”, and the union looked forward to “early discussions on resolving the longest rail dispute in history and looking to a future full of opportunities that are not based on misguided dogmas but on the needs of the country”.

TSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “Labour must rebuild a broken Britain and invest in our public services, our communities and our people. Now is not the time for austerity and further lower living standards. Now is the time to invest in our future.”