Brian Mathew

Brian Mathew

Liberal Democrat — Melksham and Devizes

Speaking in the House of Commons on 9 December 2025

Debate

Railways Bill

Contribution

Does the hon. Member agree that there is also a danger of a conflict of interest? At present, the ORR, an independent body, holds the power to grant track access rights. Under the Bill, those powers will transfer to GBR, while the ORR’s role is watered down. If GBR is able to block applications, it becomes judge and jury. Open access operators such as Go-op may struggle to get the access rights that they need to run new services, including through Melksham.

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