The UK Labour Government has published its Railways Bill as promised in the legislative programme set out in the King’s Speech shortly after the General Election in July 2024.
When enacted, the Bill will trigger the formal establishment of Great British Railways and complete the transformation of the passenger rail landscape begun by the Labour Government’s earlier public ownership legislation.
This table sets out as best can be assessed at present the timetable for the new Bill to make its way through the UK Parliament’s processes for scrutiny, modification and approval. It draws on the considerable experience of the Cogitamus consultancy team in this field which tracks back over three decades to the 1993 rail privatisation legislation.
Many organisations in the sector will wish to make their views known to parliamentarians, civil servants and Ministers during the several months that it will take for the Bill to become law. You may also wish to follow just what is happening that is specifically relevant to you rather than perhaps being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of issues under consideration.
Cogitamus is geared up to help you in finding your way through the process and having your say. Do get in touch via info@cogitamus.co.uk or by calling 01733 767244 if you’d like to explore how we may assist you.
This post was updated on 4 December 2025 to take account of the revised date for the Second Reading debate on the Railways Bill in the House of Commons.