Committee publication · Correspondence · 3 June 2026 · HC 273
Letter from the Minister for Rail, Department for Transport relating to the Railways Bill and the GBR licence documentation, dated 28 May 2026
From: Transport Committee
Inquiry: Railways Bill
Summary
Lord Hendy, Minister for Rail, informs the Transport Committee Chair that the government has published a policy document outlining the emerging GBR (Great British Railways) licence proposition. The document details the licence approach and wider accountability framework established by the Railways Bill. The government commits to consulting on the full draft licence later in 2026 and invites the committee to a drop-in briefing on 1 June.
Key findings
- Government has published a GBR licence policy document setting out the emerging proposition for the new GBR licence framework
- Document provides detail on the licence approach and its context within the wider accountability framework established by the Railways Bill
- Government commits to consulting on the full draft licence later in 2026
- Drop-in briefing session scheduled for 1 June 2026, 14:00–15:00 in Room 10A, House of Lords, led by Lord Hendy and DfT officials to discuss GBR licence purpose and allow committee questions
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Ruth Cadbury MP, Department for Transport, Transport Select Committee, Great British Railways
Notable line
“The government recognises the interest the House has shown in how GBR will be held accountable and has brought forward this document to provide further detail and provide more information …”
Key Quotes
“The government recognises the interest the House has shown in how GBR will be held accountable and has brought forward this document to provide further detail and provide more information …”
“… the Government is committed to consulting on the full draft licence later this year.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗