Labour has announced plans to nationalise the British railways within five years if they come to power, under the guidance of Shadow Transport Minister Louise Haigh. During a recent speech, Haigh described the railways as a “symbol of national decline” under the current Conservative governance and emphasized the need for reform to drive economic growth and better connect communities.

The proposed nationalisation involves consolidating private passenger rail services into a new entity known as Great British Railways, which aims to centralize control and prioritize passenger and worker interests. Although the plan intends to simplify the fare structure with a best fare guarantee, Haigh admitted that immediate fare reductions could not be guaranteed.

Haigh, who has been the Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley since 2015, has a diverse background including a stint as a Metropolitan Police officer. Known for her dynamic approach and humour, Haigh has been a vocal critic of the current state of the railways and advocates for a more accountable and reliable system. Her leadership is part of a broader Labour strategy to address service quality and efficiency issues within the privatised rail system.