LABOUR has unveiled plans to create a new publicly-owned company called Great British Railways to nationalise much of the sector.But The National understands that devolved authorities will be able to choose to have services run by the private sector if they wish.
It should end any lingering uncertainty over the party’s rail policy – after Reeves caused confusion in 2022 by saying suggesting would not nationalise the railways.two years ago, Reeves said: “Within our fiscal rules, to be spending billions of pounds on nationalising things, that just doesn't stack up against our fiscal rules.”
This, the party said, would give local authorities and devolved national governments the power to create integrated transport networks across the country.Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: “With Labour’s bold reforms, a publicly owned railway will be single-mindedly focused on delivering for passengers and will be held to account on delivering reliable, safe, efficient, accessible, affordable and quality services.
The Labour leader is still dogged by accusations of flip-flopping and the policy is the party's first major announcement sinceWe know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.