The UK Government has published the foundations of new agreements with both the Scottish and Welsh Governments, outlining how rail responsibilities will be coordinated once Great British Railways (GBR) is established.
Announced on 25 March 2026, the frameworks set out the basis for formal memoranda of understanding (MoU) that will define how rail functions are exercised across Great Britain under the forthcoming reforms.
Scotland framework sets out shared responsibilities
The proposed MoU between Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Scottish ministers establishes how both governments will work together under GBR while maintaining existing devolved powers.
Scottish ministers will retain full control over rail funding and responsibility for specifying and delivering passenger services in Scotland. The framework also confirms that rail reform will respect devolved decision-making while strengthening coordination across the network.
The agreement is designed to support a more integrated approach to planning and delivery between GBR and Transport Scotland, with clearly defined roles and governance structures.
Heidi Alexander said:
“Under the Railways Bill and following the introduction of Great British Railways, the Scottish Government will have a new, strengthened role and a bigger say in how the railway is run to improve local connectivity.
“At its heart, this framework is about improving outcomes for passengers and communities. By placing decision making at the heart of rail in Scotland we will ensure services and investment are better tailored to Scottish passenger and freight customer priorities.”
Wales agreement focuses on cross-border coordination
Alongside the Scottish framework, the UK Government has also published an agreement with the Welsh Government setting out how rail services will be jointly managed in Wales and across the English borders.
The agreement outlines closer collaboration between GBR and Transport for Wales, with a focus on aligning service planning, infrastructure delivery and customer information.
Passengers are expected to benefit from more coordinated decision-making, improved reliability and better integration between rail, bus and active travel.
Heidi Alexander said:
“Under Great British Railways, the Welsh Government will have a new, strengthened role and a bigger say in how the railway is run for local communities to improve connectivity.
“At its heart, this agreement is about improving passenger experience by aligning how both governments plan and manage rail services, including cross-border travel.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, added:
“This agreement outlines the strong partnership between our two governments to deliver for the people of Wales.
“We have already seen the joint commitment to a generational investment in our railways and this agreement ensures even closer working as we deliver improved rail services for passengers.”
Next steps towards rail reform
Both agreements form part of the wider Railways Bill, which will establish GBR as a single body responsible for managing track and train operations across Great Britain.
The frameworks set the direction for future formal agreements and are intended to support a more coordinated and passenger-focused railway, while maintaining devolved control where it currently exists.
GBR is expected to be established in 2027, bringing together infrastructure and operations under a unified structure aimed at simplifying the rail system and improving service delivery.
