Passenger rail services bill debated in the Lords

The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill will nationalise passenger railway franchises through public sector companies when existing contracts with private sector operators come to an end.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members discussed the main topics of the bill and drew attention to specific areas of concern where they believe amendments (changes) are needed.

Members speaking 

Baroness Blake of Leeds (Labour) opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government.

Contributing members included:

• Lord Berkeley (Labour), vice president, ALLRAIL (independent rail companies association)
• Lord Bradshaw (Liberal Democrats), former director of operations, British Rail
• Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (Green), former green transport adviser to the Mayor of London
• Lord McLoughlin (Conservative), executive board member, XRAIL (rail systems design and project management group).

Catch up

• Watch the Parliament TV recording.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore background information

Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Next steps

Committee stage, the first chance for line by line examination of the bill, is scheduled to begin on Monday 21 October.

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