Conservatives would use GBR to increase private sector role

The Conservative Party has confirmed in its manifesto that, if elected, it would create Great British Railways, which was envisaged in the 2021 Rail Review and described then as the industry’s ‘guiding mind’. The Conservative manifesto says: ‘GBR will usher in a revitalised private-public partnership, delivering a modern and innovative railway with reliable services, and simpler tickets.’ It also says that that ‘outdated working practices’ will be addressed in its forthcoming Rail Reform Bill.