Home News Features Compliance

đź•’ Article read time: 2 minutes

"A railway fit for Britain's future"...  Logistics UK emphasises GBR accountability


Responding to the government's 'A railway fit for Britain's future' consultation, Logistics UK emphasised that Great British Railways (GBR) must be held accountable for fulfilling its statutory duty to promote and expand rail freight services. 

The response expressed concern over the proposal to downgrade the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to an appeals body, arguing that the regulator should play a proactive role in setting access principles and monitoring GBR’s adherence to them, ensuring fairness from the outset rather than acting merely as a reactive dispute resolver.  

We consider excessive Secretary of State influence in GBR licensing and strategy poses significant risks. The sector, along with private infrastructure providers, needs assurance that network access will be based on objective criteria and not subject to fluctuating political priorities.  

A balanced approach underpinned by independent regulation is deemed crucial for preserving the sector's commercial viability. While the statutory duty imposed on GBR to ensure that rail freight continues to deliver broad benefits is welcomed, the specifics of how this duty will be enforced remain unclear.  

To sustain the economic and environmental advantages of rail freight, it is essential to have guaranteed pathways and proper protection for strategic freight corridors. This stability, along with long-term planning conditions, is vital for supporting the substantial investments and contributions the sector makes to economic growth. 

Political interference and an excessive focus on passenger services could otherwise undermine these benefits.  

To address these concerns, Logistics UK has proposed a specific legislative safeguard that GBR should be mandated to produce an annual report for both parliamentary and regulator scrutiny, detailing its measures to ensure fair access to the rail network and promote rail freight growth. 

Members can view the response here.

Published On: 17/04/2025 14:28:40

 

Comments Section

If you are a Logistics UK member login to add comments.

There are no comments yet.



Latest articles

Logistics UK holds Parliamentary drop-in

On 30 April, Logistics UK hosted a drop in Parliament for MPs and peers alongside colleagues from DHL and SEGRO, kindly sponsored by Phil Brickell MP.

Read time: 2 minutes

View article

Logistics UK calls for ongoing ambitious partnership ahead of UK and EU May Summit

The UK and EU has set out a new “strategic partnership” that aims to increase trade and offer a united European front, the Guardian reported on 29 April.

Read time: 2 minutes

View article

Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA meets with Logistics UK

Logistics UK and a delegation from the business group’s Northern Ireland Freight Council met with Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA on Wednesday 30 April to highlight the value of the logistics sector to Northern Ireland and ensure the sector is prioritised by policymakers at the highest level.

Read time: 2 minutes

View article

Next page

Why rethinking the role of ports is crucial in meeting customer expectations

E-news archive

You can also view our e-news archive here.

E-news archive

Interested in Membership?

Get in contact using the Membership Enquiry Form.

Membership Enquiry Form

Logistics Magazine Portal

The hub for finding relevant and informative features, news & compliance guides from Logistics Magazine

Logistics Magazine Portal Home

Sponsorship Opportunities

Learn more about advertising on the new digital Logistics Magazine, with a variety of advert options to reach 30,000 relevant readers.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Magazine Contents

News

Logistics Magazine will cover all the latest news on stories breaking in the industry, including developments on COVID-19,  Brexit, Clean Air Zones, transport law and decarbonisation.

News

Features

Our frequent features will tackle the broader issues affecting logistics such as the COVID-19 vaccination programme, technology and innovation, the political and economic landscape, global trade and the drive to reduce emissions across all transport modes.

Features

Compliance

Each month we explore a different topic in depth in our popular Compliance section, while each week we will publish answers put to our Member Advice Centre team.

Compliance

View Supplements and Previous Printed Editions

View Supplements and previous printed editions of Logistics Magazine here.

Previous