Freight News, Rail


Freight ‘lacks protection’ in new plan for rail, says CILT

[ February 9, 2026   //   ]

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport has warned that around 30% of Britain’s rail services, including freight, risk being left without clear protections or long-term certainty unless the legislation is strengthened.

In its submission to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee, CILT supported the creation of Great British Railways (GBR) and the reunification of track and trainbut added that the Government’s Railways lacks clear, durable plans for how non-GBR operators, and freight operators will be supported and protected within the future railway system.

CILT chair Anna-jane Hunter, said there was a real risk that decisions would be shaped primarily around GBR’s own priorities, leaving a significant part of the railway in limbo. She said: “Freight operators need clear, credible and durable plans. Without stronger protections in primary legislation, freight capacity risks being squeezed out by GBR’s own passenger decisions, undermining the growth the Bill seeks to encourage.”

CILT(UK) supports the Bill’s introduction of a statutory freight growth target set by the Secretary of State for Transport and GBR’s duty to support freight, but warns that investment in terminals, rolling stock and services will only come with confidence that freight capacity will be protected.

The Institute says the Bill should be strengthened to embed freight in long-term planning, protect capacity through measures such as strategic freight corridors, ensure fair charging and regulation, safeguard privately funded freight facilities, and support international rail freight, including Channel Tunnel services. 

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