When could South Western Railway be renationalised?

Legislation to overhaul Britain’s railways was included in the King’s speech, delivered today in the House of Lords.

The country’s new Labour government will soon introduce bills to bring train operators into public ownership, by creating a new public body, Great British Railways, to oversee the rail network.

Renationalising all trains was a long-standing pledge for Labour while the party was in opposition.

Locally, the three major rail operators in Southampton are set to have their private contracts come to an end in 2025: Southern Rail in April, South Western Railway in May and Great Western Railway in June.

So change could come as soon as next year.

Local MPs in Southampton have reacted to the news.

Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, Darren Paffey, said: "Customers in our area will benefit from Labour's plans to bring rail companies back in to national ownership.

Southampton Itchen MP, Darren Paffey (Image: NQ) "It will create more accountability, it will ensure there are improved services for rail customers and provide better value for money.

"This is something I know many people, both commuters and local rail passengers, will welcome."

READ MORE: Met Office forecast for Southampton ahead of 28C heat

The government has said that the Railways Bill will ensure appointing a public sector train operator as existing contracts expire will be the default position rather than a last resort.

This will avoid the need to pay compensation to current operators and will save taxpayers millions of pounds each year that are paid out in fees to private train companies.

From 1979, Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government began selling off state owned businesses.

Under Thatcher’s successor, John Major, the railways were privatised between 1994 and 1997.

Reacting to the railway news, Conservative MP for Hamble Valley, Paul Holmes, said: "It is deeply concerning that this announcement is not costed and despite warnings during the campaign, Labour are pushing ahead with this.

Hamble Valley MP, Paul Holmes (Image: NQ) "This is likely to cost billions of pounds and doesn’t show any proof that the railways will actually improve and will stifle independent investment in rolling stock, repairs and investment in new lines."

Today's news also included legislation regarding how bus services are to be operated in the future. 

The ‘Better Buses Bill’ will allow local authority leaders to take control of their local bus services. 

Councillor Keith Glazer, Chair of Transport for the South East, said: "We’re pleased to see the issue of transport covered in the King’s Speech as effective and affordable transport networks play a fundamental part in ensuring a growing and thriving economy. 

"If implemented effectively, the proposed legislation has the potential to benefit millions of residents, commuters, and businesses in our region.

"The results of our recent ‘Your Voices’ transport survey, showed a clear wish from people across the area to improve public transport."