Industry reacts to Labour's landslide election victory

The rail industry has reacted to Labour’s landslide general election victory with many keen to see the plan the party laid out in its manifesto enacted quickly.

Labour swept to power on July 4, with new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer quickly assembling his cabinet. As expected, Louise Haigh was installed as the new Transport Secretary. However the Prime Minister has yet to appoint a new rail minister to replace the outgoing Conservative minister Huw Merriman.

Haigh had been Shadow Transport Secretary since November 2021 and had previously been the Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary.

Labour’s manifesto on rail includes the renationalisation of passenger rail, the installation of Great British Railways and an overhaul of the ticketing structures currently in place, however it did draw some criticism for its lack of detail in its manifesto.

The Railway Industry Association’s Darren Caplan urged Labour to move quickly with its plans, commenting: “RIA and our members now look forward to working with the new Government to achieve its goals for rail. With passenger growth returning strongly, and as we seek a fresh start for the UK railway industry, we urge the new Government to deliver on our and our members’ five main RIA Manifesto asks: to publish a long-term rail strategy; bring about railway industry reform; accelerate new train orders and low carbon network upgrades; support a sustainable supply chain; and leverage private investment.”

One of the first items on Haigh’s agenda will be resolve the ongoing union disputes with ASLEF and RMT with Mick Whelan, General Secretary of ASLEF saying he was “looking forward” to early discussions with the new government to resolve the ongoing dispute.

For operators, the prospect of renationalisation is a possible threat to the industry and Andy Bagnall, CEO of train operator owning group association Rail Partners, urged the new government to work with them.

“The railway is facing severe challenges and train companies agree that urgent rail reform is needed. Getting this reform right is critical for the UK’s economic growth, sustainability and the public purse.

‘Rail Partners and its members hope to work with the new transport secretary and her wider ministerial team to ensure the railway is delivering for passengers and freight customers.”

Labour will have the opportunity to set out its upcoming agenda with the state opening of parliament, which is due to take place on 17 July alongside The King’s Speech. It is expected that its rail reform plans will be outlined then.