Policy paper

A railway fit for Britain's future: government response

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

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 5 November 2025

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A railway fit for Britain's future: government response – executive summary

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A railway fit for Britain's future: government response and summary of responses (PDF version)

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A railway fit for Britain's future: government response and summary of responses (Easy Read version)

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A railway fit for Britain's future: government response and summary of responses (large print version)

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Details

This document sets out the government’s response to the consultation on the Railways Bill – A railway fit for Britain’s future.

The consultation sought views on the legislative policies to be included in the forthcoming Railways Bill. The bill will enable the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR). GBR will be a single directing mind that will run our rail infrastructure and passenger services in the public interest.

This government response outlines our final plans for the Railways Bill and also explains how the consultation feedback has shaped our plans.

The overall aim of the Railways Bill is to provide a railway that works better for passengers, freight customers and taxpayers across Great Britain. It also includes: 

• the establishment of a new passenger watchdog
• reform of fares and online retail of tickets
• a new statutory role for devolved leaders in governing, managing, planning and developing the rail network
• streamlining processes and reducing regulatory burdens to empower GBR to provide the best service for railway users
• ensuring the private sector continues to play a key role, including a statutory duty for GBR to promote rail freight

Published 5 November 2025