Railways Bill

Key Points

• When a passenger rail franchise is due for renewal, the Secretary of State would assume control of the service.
• The bill covers passenger rail franchises and related governance and powers.
• It proposes shifting control from private operators to the government during renewal periods.
• The bill is currently at the second reading in the Commons and moving through Parliament.
• An Opposition Reasoned Amendment was defeated in the Commons (170 Aye, 332 No).

Progress

The bill is at the second reading stage in the House of Commons. If it passes this stage, it will proceed to committee of the bill, then report stages and third reading, before moving to the Lords.

Voting

At the second reading, the bill was approved 329 Aye to 173 No, indicating mixed cross-party support. An Opposition Reasoned Amendment was defeated 170 Aye to 332 No.