The House of Lords and the House of Commons have signed off on a measure to nationalize Great Britain’s passenger railroads, which appears poised to happen once current franchises expire.
The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill returned to the House of Lords on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to consider amendments the House of Commons made.
When contracts with private sector operators end, the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill will nationalize Great Britain’s passenger railway franchises through public sector companies.
“We said we would create Great British Railways. We are,” United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on X.
The House of Lords considered the bill between Sept. 4 and Nov. 13, 2024, before returning to the House of Commons, a process known as parliamentary “ping pong.”
On Wednesday, members of the Lords considered changes made by MPs in the House of Commons. One Lords division (vote) did not pass.
As both Houses have agreed on the bill’s text, it now awaits the final stage of Royal Assent, where it will become an Act of Parliament (law).
