The UK and Scottish Governments have jointly published the foundations for a landmark agreement that will define how both administrations work together to exercise their respective rail powers once Great British Railways (GBR) is formally established. The framework, designed as the basis for a future Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a pivotal step toward delivering the UK government’s wider programme of bold rail reforms.
The agreement between Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Scottish ministers aims to create a simpler, integrated, and more passenger‑focused rail system for Scotland. The proposed framework reinforces the commitment on both sides to modernise governance, improve cross‑network coordination, and help Scotland benefit equally from rail reform across Great Britain.
Scottish passengers can expect a railway that is easier to navigate, more responsive to local needs, and clearer in terms of accountability for performance and investment decisions. Crucially, devolved responsibilities remain fully protected. Scottish ministers will retain control over funding for Scottish rail infrastructure, as well as the specification and provision of Scotland‑designated passenger services.
The framework emphasises that rail reform will respect existing devolved powers, while introducing improved mechanisms for cooperation, planning, and system‑wide alignment. It defines how the two governments and GBR will work together through joint governance, structured planning, and shared rail network objectives.
By improving joint planning between Great British Railways and Transport Scotland, the framework is designed to deliver more reliable services, clearer passenger information when journeys change, better punctuality, and smoother connections—reflecting what people value most from the rail network.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“Under the Railways Bill and following the introduction of Great British Railways, the Scottish Government will have a new, strengthened role and a bigger say in how the railway is run to improve local connectivity.”
She added:
“At its heart, this framework is about improving outcomes for passengers and communities. By placing decision making at the heart of rail in Scotland we will ensure services and investment are better tailored to Scottish passenger and freight customer priorities.”
Key benefits for Scotland include:
- Strengthening track‑and‑train integration to ensure Scotland benefits fully from rail reform and the creation of GBR.
- Upholding Scottish ministers’ responsibility for strategy, infrastructure funding, and passenger service provision—allowing decisions to be shaped around Scotland’s distinct needs.
- Setting a clear direction for the full MoU to be agreed by both governments.
The Railways Bill will create GBR as a new industry body designed to place passengers and freight customers at the centre of the rail network. GBR will run and manage the tracks and trains used across Great Britain, ending decades of fragmentation and ensuring a consistent, safer, and more sustainable railway.
The government states that GBR will drive investment, deliver better value for money for taxpayers, and improve the customer experience. This new framework lays the essential foundations for the MoU between the Secretary of State for Transport and Scottish ministers—becoming a key component of the future rail reform landscape.
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