In a landmark move, the UK government has confirmed that three rail operators will be brought back under public control next year. South Western Railway, C2C, and Greater Anglia will be renationalised under the new Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act, overseen by the newly established Great British Railways.
This decision marks a significant shift in the UK’s rail policy, which has long been criticized for prioritizing private profit over public good. Solidarity, a long-time campaigner for the renationalisation of the UK rail network, has welcomed this development, emphasizing its importance for passengers, taxpayers, and workers.
A System Once Dominated by Foreign Ownership
For years, much of the UK’s rail network was owned and operated by foreign entities. Companies from Germany, France, and the Netherlands, including state-owned operators such as Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, and Nederlandse Spoorwegen, profited from UK railways while reinvesting little into the system. This fragmented, profit-driven approach led to high ticket prices, poor service, and underinvestment in infrastructure.
Unions Speak Out
Mick Lynch, General Secretary of RMT, described the renationalisation as “a significant step forward for passengers, rail workers, and those who want to see an efficient rail system run for the public good, rather than private profit.” He highlighted the benefits of harmonizing conditions for staff and prioritizing the needs of passengers under public ownership.
Mick Whelan, General Secretary of Aslef, echoed this sentiment: “The privateers have taken hundreds of millions of pounds from our railways and successive Conservative governments have pursued a policy of managed decline which has sold taxpayers, passengers, and staff short.”
Solidarity’s Call for Action
Pat Harrington, General Secretary of the Solidarity union, praised the government’s decision but stressed the need for further reforms: “The renationalisation of these rail operators is a victory for common sense and the public good. For too long, private companies—often foreign state-owned—have exploited our railways, taking profits out of the UK while delivering subpar service. Solidarity has always fought for a rail system that works for the people, not for shareholders. This is a great first step, but we need to ensure the entire network is brought back into public ownership.”
A Public System for the People
Campaign groups like We Own It have called for additional measures to make the renationalisation a success. These include bringing train leasing companies into public ownership to save £250 million annually, investing in ticket price reductions, and reopening routes like the Dartmoor and Northumberland Lines. They have also proposed creating a democratically elected watchdog to represent passengers.
The Road or Rail Ahead
The renationalisation of these rail operators is a step towards reversing decades of fragmentation and privatization. By bringing operations under one public entity, the government aims to create a more efficient, affordable, and passenger-focused railway system. Solidarity and other unions will continue to advocate for the full renationalisation of the UK’s rail network, ensuring that public transport serves as a cornerstone of a fair and sustainable future.
By Maria Camara