Active 210 events
Threads / Railways Bill / Timeline
Lifecycle stage Bill Progressing

Railways Bill

Parliamentary timeline for Railways Bill, session 39 session. Bill type: Government Bill. Current stage: Report stage.

Log in for AI briefing
Showing all 210 signals
Sort Latest first Oldest first
Family
Signal
Year
Body
Role

2026

145 events
16 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason she plans to transfer staff to Department of Transport Operator Ltd prior to the completion of the Railways Bill.

Why linked: PQ on staff transfer to Department for Transport Operator Ltd prior to completion of the Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason she plans to transfer staff to Department of Transport Operator Ltd prior to the completion of the Railways Bill.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
25 Mar 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with (a) Ministers and (b) officials on the (i) the transfer of workers from private Train Operating Companies into the Department for Transport Operator and (ii) the transfer of wo

Why linked: PQ on transfer of workers from TOCs into Department for Transport Operator Ltd.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with (a) Ministers and (b) officials on the (i) the transfer of workers from private Train Operating Companies into the Department for Transport Operator and (ii) the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
25 Mar 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of including provisions for the protection of transport workers’ pensions during the transition to Great British Railways in the Railways Bill.

Why linked: PQ on transport workers' pensions during transition under the Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of including provisions for the protection of transport workers’ pensions during the transition to Great British Railways in the Railways Bill.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
25 Mar 2026 | Policy paper Department for Transport Welsh Government linked direct

Memorandum of Understanding between Secretary of State and Welsh Ministers: applying the Railways Bill in Wales

Why linked: MoU between SoS and Welsh Ministers on applying the Bill in Wales — implementation document.

Sets out roles and responsibilities of the Department for Transport and the Welsh Government on how Great British Railways and Transport for Wales will collaborate on the running of the railway in Wales.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Memorandum of Understanding between Secretary o… (11pp)
+1 more
↓ Memorandwm Cyd-ddealltwriaeth rhwng Ysgrifennydd Gwladol a … (13pp)
25 Mar 2026 | Policy paper Department for Transport Scottish Government linked direct

Framework for a memorandum of understanding between the Secretary of State and Scottish Ministers: applying the Railways Bill in Scotland

Why linked: Framework for MoU between SoS and Scottish Ministers on applying the Bill — implementation document.

Sets out plans for publication of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Scottish Ministers on how Great British Railways may deliver services in Scotland.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Framework for a memorandum of understanding bet… (8pp)
17 Mar 2026 | Ministerial letter Home Office linked direct

Crime and Policing Act 2026 — Will write letters: Letter from Lord Katz to Lord Shinkwin and others regarding the research the Department for Transport will be taking forward on food delivery riders using e-bikes.

Why linked: Crime and Policing Act 2026 — letter from Lord Katz referencing DfT research on rail, relevant to the Bill's BTP provisions.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Letter from Lord Katz to Lord Shinkwin and othe…
3 Mar 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what statutory role combined authorities will have under the Railways Bill in relation to service levels, timetabling and rolling stock deployment; what mechanisms will exist for regional leaders to challenge o

Why linked: PQ on combined authorities' statutory role under the Railways Bill (March 2026).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what statutory role combined authorities will have under the Railways Bill in relation to service levels, timetabling and rolling stock deployment; what mechanisms will exist for regional leaders to challenge o

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Feb 2026 | Policy paper Department for Transport linked direct

Department for Transport’s accounting officer assessment summaries for the Government Major Projects Portfolio

Why linked: Cited by workspace synthesis

Accounting officer assessment summaries for the Department for Transport’s (DfT) programmes and projects in the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) accounting officer…
+24 more
↓ Northern Powerhouse Rail: Millington to Manchester alignmen… ↓ High Speed 2 (HS2) rail: contract award decision for rail s… ↓ Northern Powerhouse Rail: accounting officer assessment sum… ↓ Northern Powerhouse Rail: accounting officer assessment sum… (2pp) ↓ Continuing investment in HS2 Phase 1: accounting officer as… ↓ Continuing investment in HS2 Phase 1: accounting officer as… (3pp) ↓ Lower Thames Crossing: accounting officer assessment (Dece… ↓ A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project accounting officer asses… ↓ National rail contracts - tranche 1 ↓ A12 Chelmsford to A12 Widening: accounting officer assessme… ↓ A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet: accounting officer assessm… ↓ A417 ‘Missing Link’: accounting officer assessment (April 2… ↓ UK second-generation search and rescue aviation (UKSAR2G): … ↓ High Speed 2 (HS2) Crewe to Manchester: accounting officer … ↓ High Speed 2 (HS2) Crewe to Manchester: accounting officer … ↓ High Speed 2 (HS2) Phase 2a revised delivery arrangements: … ↓ High Speed 2 (HS2) Phase 2a: accounting officer assessment … ↓ East Coast Digital Programme: accounting officer assessment… ↓ A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down (Highways England): accountin… ↓ High Speed 2 (HS2) Phase One Notice-to-Proceed: accounting … ↓ High Speed 2 (HS2) Phase One: accounting officer assessment… ↓ East West Rail, Connection Stage 1: accounting officer asse… ↓ East West Rail, Western Section Phase 2: accounting officer… ↓ East Coast Main Line enhancements programme: accounting off… (4pp)
25 Feb 2026 | Written question Cabinet Office linked direct

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2026, to Question 107278, on Department for Transport: Official Hospitality, whether the Cabinet Office has issued any guidance on Arm's Length Bodies using public funds to h

Why linked: PQ correspondence with DfT relating to Railways Bill.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2026, to Question 107278, on Department for Transport: Official Hospitality, whether the Cabinet Office has issued any guidance on Arm's Length Bodies using public funds …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
10 Feb 2026 | Other linked direct

While we recognise the fledging status of the UK Infrastructure Pipeline, we are unconvinced of its current usefulness to stakeholders in the rail industry because of its lack of detail at the necessary scale. We ask the Department for Transport to set out how the UK Infrastructure Pipeline will relate to the RNEP, the purpose of each, and where industry should look for the latest and most detailed information. Wherever there are overlapping sources of information, care is needed to ensure th...

Why linked: Transport Committee observation on the UK Infrastructure Pipeline as it relates to rail.

While we recognise the fledging status of the UK Infrastructure Pipeline, we are unconvinced of its current usefulness to stakeholders in the rail industry because of its lack of detail at the necessary scale. We ask the Department for Transport …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
10 Feb 2026 | Other linked direct

We welcome the provision made in the Railways Bill for a Long Term Rail Strategy: it is long past time that such a vision is set out for the railways. The Strategy must provide a basis for consensus and certainty about long- term investment priorities. If it puts in place stable scaffolding for practical plans and pipelines, the LTRS has the potential to insulate those plans from unnecessary changes of direction or delay, to convey confidence to industry and to bring improvements to the netwo...

Why linked: Transport Committee welcome of the Long-Term Rail Strategy provisions.

We welcome the provision made in the Railways Bill for a Long Term Rail Strategy: it is long past time that such a vision is set out for the railways. The Strategy must provide a basis for consensus and certainty …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
10 Feb 2026 | Other linked direct

The Department for Transport has previously accepted the need to update and streamline the complex and confusing legal framework for transport accessibility. It would be unhelpful were the Railways Bill to add more complexity to this situation, especially if it did not meaningfully add to practical opportunities for enforcement action while doing so. (Conclusion, Paragraph 67)

Why linked: Transport Committee recommendation on transport accessibility law and the Railways Bill.

The Department for Transport has previously accepted the need to update and streamline the complex and confusing legal framework for transport accessibility. It would be unhelpful were the Railways Bill to add more complexity to this situation, especially if it …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
10 Feb 2026 | Other linked direct

We recognise the need for structural change on the railways. We support the main purpose of the Railways Bill: to establish Great British Railways as a single organisation overseeing both track and train, and capable of acting as a ‘directing mind’ for the railway. (Conclusion, Paragraph 3)

Why linked: Transport Committee statement on supporting the main purpose of the Bill.

We recognise the need for structural change on the railways. We support the main purpose of the Railways Bill: to establish Great British Railways as a single organisation overseeing both track and train, and capable of acting as a ‘directing …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
10 Feb 2026 | Other linked direct

Understandably, and as with previous railways legislation, the Railways Bill gives a partial picture of the framework for a new regime under Great British Railways. The Bill is designed to last a long time and is accompanied by various additional documentation. The unpublished documents are important not just for scrutiny, but for confidence throughout the industry. This inquiry has picked up on issues that may be addressed in future documentation, such as issues of accountability and enforce...

Why linked: Transport Committee observation on the Bill providing a partial picture of the GBR framework.

Understandably, and as with previous railways legislation, the Railways Bill gives a partial picture of the framework for a new regime under Great British Railways. The Bill is designed to last a long time and is accompanied by various additional …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
10 Feb 2026 | Other linked direct

Before the Bill reaches Report Stage in the House of Commons the Department for Transport should publish a comprehensive list, with target dates, of decisions, key documents and planned consultations leading up to the establishment of Great British Railways and in its first year of operation. This should include milestones for consultation and negotiation with the affected workforce. (Recommendation, Paragraph 7) Our scrutiny of the Bill

Why linked: Transport Committee recommendation on publication of decisions/documents before Report stage.

Before the Bill reaches Report Stage in the House of Commons the Department for Transport should publish a comprehensive list, with target dates, of decisions, key documents and planned consultations leading up to the establishment of Great British Railways and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2025

41 events
9 Dec 2025 | Bill stage Department for Transport linked

Railways Bill

Second Reading [Relevant documents: Oral evidence taken before the Transport Committee on 26 November, on the Railways Bill, HC 1472 ; Written evidence to the Transport Committee, on the Railways Bill, reported to the House on 2 December, HC 1472 …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament
4 Dec 2025 | Research House of Commons Library linked direct

Railways Bill 2024-26

Why linked: Commons Library Briefing CBP-10386 on the Railways Bill — definitive Library briefing for analysts.

Type: Commons Briefing Paper (CBP-10386) A bill intended to create Great British Railways, a public body which would be responsible for managing most passenger train services and railway infrastructure

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ CBP-10386.pdf
11 Nov 2025 | Policy paper Department for Transport Context · primary home: Railways Bill Implementation linked evidence

A railway fit for Britain's future: government response

Why linked: Filled the "Government rail strategy or rail reform policy documents that frame the Bill's objectives" gap via web research

The Department for Transport's response to the consultation on the Railways Bill.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ A railway fit for Britain's future: government …
+6 more
↓ A railway fit for Britain's future: government response and… (105pp) ↓ A railway fit for Britain's future: government response: Br… ↓ A railway fit for Britain's future: government response and… (42pp) ↓ A railway fit for Britain's future: government response and… (214pp) ↓ A railway fit for Britain's future: government response and… (108pp) ↓ Rheilffordd sy’n Addas ar gyfer Dyfodol Prydain Ymateb y Ll… (107pp)
6 Nov 2025 | Research Regulatory Policy Committee linked direct

RPC opinion: Railways Bill impact assessment

Why linked: RPC opinion on the Railways Bill Impact Assessment — independent scrutiny of the IA.

The RPC's opinion of the Department for Transport's impact assessment for the Railways Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 5 November 2025.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ RPC opinion: Railways Bill impact assessment
+1 more
↓ RPC opinion: Railways Bill impact assessment (9pp)
5 Nov 2025 | Policy paper Department for Transport linked direct

Railways Bill

Why linked: Cited by workspace synthesis

Provides more information about the Railways Bill, which was introduced in the House of Commons on 5 November 2025.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Railways Bill
+16 more
↓ Railways Bill introduction: British Sign Language (BSL) ver… ↓ Railways Bill explanatory notes ↓ Railways Bill impact assessment ↓ Railways Bill equalities impact assessment ↓ Railways Bill delegated powers memorandum ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: introducing and designing Great Br… ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: holding Great British Railways to … ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: the Long-Term Rail Strategy ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: rail freight ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: the passenger watchdog ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: accessibility ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: fares ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: devolved and local government ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: tickets and retail ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: how the government plans to fund G… ↓ Railways Bill factsheet: making best use of the rail network
5 Nov 2025 | Written evidence Transport Committee linked direct

Railways Bill

Why linked: Briefing on the Government introducing the Railways Bill to deliver GBR (Nov 2025).

The Government has introduced the Railways Bill to Parliament to legislate for its commitment to unify network operations with infrastructure management under a single organisation – Great British Railways. The Bill is expected to go through ‘line by line’ scrutiny …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Nov 2025 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport Context · primary home: Rail Regulation and Performan… linked evidence

A railway fit for Britain's future

Why linked: Filled the "Government rail strategy or rail reform policy documents that frame the Bill's objectives" gap via web research

Seeking views on proposals to reform Great Britain’s railways.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ A railway fit for Britain's future
+4 more
↓ A railway fit for Britain's future (web accessible) (52pp) ↓ A railway fit for Britain's future (print version) (56pp) ↓ A railway fit for Britain's future (large print) (104pp) ↓ A railway fit for Britain's future (easy read version) (46pp)

2024

20 events
22 May 2024 | Other Transport Committee linked direct

Formal meeting (oral evidence session) — Transport Committee — 2024-05-22

Why linked: Transport Committee oral evidence session on Scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill (May 2024).

Event type: Formal meeting (oral evidence session) | Committee: Transport Committee | Inquiry: Scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill | Starts: 2024-05-22T08:00:00+00:00 | Ends: 2024-05-22T11:15:00+00:00 | Location: The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House | Status: completed

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
21 May 2024 | Other Transport Committee linked direct

Formal meeting (oral evidence session) — Transport Committee — 2024-05-21

Why linked: Transport Committee oral evidence session on Scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill (May 2024).

Event type: Formal meeting (oral evidence session) | Committee: Transport Committee | Inquiry: Scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill | Starts: 2024-05-21T13:30:00+00:00 | Ends: 2024-05-21T16:30:00+00:00 | Location: Room 8, Palace of Westminster | Status: completed

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 May 2024 | Other Transport Committee linked direct

Formal meeting (oral evidence session) — Transport Committee — 2024-05-14

Why linked: Transport Committee oral evidence session on Scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill (May 2024).

Event type: Formal meeting (oral evidence session) | Committee: Transport Committee | Inquiry: Scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill | Starts: 2024-05-14T13:30:00+00:00 | Ends: 2024-05-14T16:30:00+00:00 | Location: The Grimond Room, Portcullis House | Status: completed

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
1 Mar 2024 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason supporting documents for the draft Rail Reform Bill published on 20 February 2024 do not reference the expected £1.5 billion in recurring annual savings after an initial five year implementation

Why linked: PQ on supporting documents for the draft Rail Reform Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason supporting documents for the draft Rail Reform Bill published on 20 February 2024 do not reference the expected £1.5 billion in recurring annual savings after an initial five year …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
1 Mar 2024 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Written Statement of 20 February 2024 on Government response to the consultation on rail reform legislation and draft Rail Reform Bill, HCWS267, what estimate he has made of the savings av

Why linked: PQ on the draft Rail Reform Bill and rail reform consultation response.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Written Statement of 20 February 2024 on Government response to the consultation on rail reform legislation and draft Rail Reform Bill, HCWS267, what estimate he has made of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Feb 2024 | Other Transport Committee linked direct

Scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill

Why linked: Transport Committee pre-legislative scrutiny inquiry of the draft Rail Reform Bill.

The Transport Committee is conducting pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill. The draft Bill proposes the legislative measures needed to deliver the Government’s programme of rail reform, principally the creation of a new ‘integrated rail body’ which will …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
20 Feb 2024 | Announcement Department for Transport linked direct

Rail Update

Why linked: Matched expansion phrase: Rail Reform Bill

UIN: HCWS267 I am pleased to lay the government’s response to the consultation on legislation required to deliver rail reform today. I am also publishing the draft Rail Reform Bill today, ahead of pre-legislative scrutiny which will be carried out …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
20 Feb 2024 | Policy paper Department for Transport linked direct

Draft Rail Reform Bill

Why linked: Conservative Government's predecessor draft Rail Reform Bill (Feb 2024).

The draft Rail Reform Bill contains the primary legislative measures, which form a key part of delivering rail reform in Great Britain.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Draft Rail Reform Bill (32pp)
+3 more
↓ Draft Rail Reform Bill: explanatory notes (29pp) ↓ Draft Rail Reform Bill: impact assessment (123pp) ↓ Draft Rail Reform Bill: delegated powers memorandum (26pp)
19 Feb 2024 | Consultation (closed) Office of Rail and Road Context · primary home: Rail Regulation and Performan… linked evidence

Response to DfT consultation on primary legislative changes required to effect rail reform

Why linked: Filled the "Consultation responses on rail franchising, regulation, or service standards" gap via web research

The Department for Transport (DfT) consulted between 9 June 2022 and 4 August 2022 seeking views on primary legislative changes required to effect rail reform as set out in the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) …
+2 more
↓ Response to the Department for Transport’s (DfT) consultati… ↓ Delivering a simpler, more efficient and more integrated ra…

2023

2 events
6 Nov 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked direct

Minimum service levels for passenger rail during strike action

Why linked: Matched expansion phrase: Passenger Rail Services

A consultation on implementing minimum service levels for passenger rail services during periods of strike action.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ A consultation on implementing minimum service …
+8 more
↓ A consultation on implementing minimum service levels for p… (56pp) ↓ Ymgynghoriad ar weithredu isafswm lefelau gwasanaeth ar gyf… ↓ Consultation Annex B: key route strategy map (1pp) ↓ Consultation Annex E: service levels during recent rail str… ↓ Minimum service levels for passenger rail consultation impa… (39pp) ↓ Consultation response confidentiality and data protection ↓ Minimum service levels for passenger rail: government respo… ↓ Lefelau Gwasanaeth Gofynnol ar gyfer Rheilffyrdd Teithwyr: …

2022

1 event

2021

1 event
30 Jun 2021 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the legislation required to implement the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail will repeal the (1) Railways Act 1993, (2) Railways Act 2005, and (3) Railways (Access, Management and Licensing of Railway Undertakings) Regul

Why linked: PQ on whether legislation will repeal the Railways Act 1993 — direct predecessor question for this thread.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the legislation required to implement the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail will repeal the (1) Railways Act 1993, (2) Railways Act 2005, and (3) Railways (Access, Management and Licensing of Railway Undertakings) Regul

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK