A new briefing from The Future Governance Forum (FGF) has warned that Great British Railways (GBR) could struggle to become a durable, long‑term institution unless the government clearly defines its purpose, establishes strong institutional foundations and grants the new body meaningful operational autonomy.
The paper is published ahead of MPs debating the Railways Bill in the House of Commons on Wednesday 3 June, a key moment for the government’s flagship rail reform programme.
Once fully operational, GBR will become the third largest public sector employer in the UK, behind only the NHS and the armed forces. Supporters argue that the creation of a single, publicly owned ‘directing mind’ for rail has the potential to deliver not only a better railway, but also significant economic and social benefits nationwide.
However, the FGF briefing cautions that a change in ownership alone will not guarantee better outcomes for passengers, freight or the wider economy.
Clear purpose must come first
Published on Monday 1 June, the paper sets out the interim findings of FGF’s ‘Setting up Great British Railways for success’ project, which is sponsored by Network Rail. The research draws on engagement with more than 60 industry leaders, policymakers and rail experts.
Its headline conclusion is stark: GBR does not yet have a clearly articulated purpose. Almost none of the experts consulted believe that such a purpose has been properly defined.
According to the report, establishing this purpose is the essential first step from which organisational objectives, institutional culture and major policy decisions must flow. Without it, there is a risk that GBR simply inherits existing problems rather than becoming the transformative institution ministers are hoping for.
The paper argues that purpose should not be a slogan, but a practical guide that shapes decision‑making across the organisation — from investment priorities to how GBR works with operators, regulators and devolved authorities.
Autonomy, devolution and storytelling
Beyond purpose, the briefing sets out several additional recommendations designed to help GBR succeed over the long term:
- Avoid political micromanagement. The report calls for GBR to be granted an appropriate level of operational autonomy, warning that excessive ministerial intervention could undermine effectiveness. Rather than more or less regulation, FGF argues for better regulation.
- Go with the grain of devolution. Rail reform should be done with, not done to, nations and regions. The paper stresses the importance of respecting existing devolved arrangements and strengthening regional partnerships.
- Tell a stronger story. FGF says the case for reform has not yet been convincingly made beyond the rail sector. A clearer narrative is needed in Westminster and with the public, focused on how GBR will improve the passenger experience, support economic growth and unlock opportunity.
‘The hard yards start now’
Commenting on the findings, Adam Terry, Deputy Director at The Future Governance Forum, said:
‘The question around reforming Britain’s railways is not whether to do it, but how. The government’s aim to bring the railways back into public ownership is ambitious and popular; now they have to make it work."
‘It is a complex task with huge operational and political stakes. Done right, the government has an opportunity to bring about major change, not just for the rail industry, but across society through the wider social and economic benefits that could be unlocked.
‘Success won’t happen automatically with a change of ownership. The hard yards start now: creating the right relationships, internal culture, overarching purpose and governance arrangements that will allow Great British Railways to succeed for decades to come.’
With the Railways Bill returning to Parliament, the briefing lands at a pivotal moment. As the legislation progresses, the challenge for ministers will be to ensure that GBR is set up not just to launch, but to last.
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