Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Acknowledged
Clause 7's broad power of direction risks permitting micromanagement of Great British Railways' operations.
Conclusion
The Government intends that Great British Railways should be a responsible guiding mind: to achieve this, it requires independence and protection from political interference in its day-to-day operations. Clause 7 as currently drafted would permit a future Secretary of State, if so minded, to micromanage GBR through directions. The intention of the current Government that the power only be used sparingly could be reflected in the legislation. (Conclusion, Paragraph 20)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government notes this recommendation, welcomes the Committee’s support for an aligned set of duties across key industry bodies within the Railways Bill, and disagrees with the need for the Secretary of State to provide statutory guidance.
Government Response
The government responded to this report on 24 April 2026. No passage in that response could be matched to this conclusion. Read the response document ↗