Secretary of State for Transport (): I am publishing,
alongside the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North
Wales, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
provided for under Clause 24 of the Railways Bill. The
publication of this MoU marks a major milestone in the delivery
of rail reform and demonstrates our shared commitment to deliver
a simpler, better and more integrated railway for the Wales and
Borders Area.
This MoU reflects the strong and constructive collaboration that
has taken place between the UK Government, the Welsh Government,
Network Rail, and Transport for Wales (TfW). Our officials and
delivery bodies have worked closely and positively throughout its
development, underpinned by a strong relationship between UK and
Welsh Ministers. We have moved from a shared ambition to building
a practical shared approach to the delivery of rail services and
infrastructure in Wales and its border regions. The MoU reflects
the priorities and ambitions of both governments, establishing a
clear foundation for how we will work together to deliver the
railway in Wales and the Borders into the future.
The MoU sets out a clear framework for how our governments will
collaborate in the delivery of a more integrated, user‑focused
railway, with transparent roles, responsibilities and governance.
It empowers joint working between TfW and Great British Railways
(GBR), supports empowered local decision‑making, and provides a
platform for more coherent system planning and improved outcomes
for rail users.
Key elements of the MoU include:
-
Shared Objectives and Funding Period Planning for the
Wales and Borders Area – A commitment to develop and
publish a set of Shared Objectives for each funding period
establishing a jointly shaped strategic direction for rail
delivery in the Wales and Borders Area.
-
Access, Use, and Whole‑System Planning –
Commitments to ensure that decisions on access, capacity and
charging reflect the Shared Objectives and recognise TfW's
multimodal responsibilities. This will allow GBR and TfW to
plan together more effectively and support a seamless passenger
experience.
-
GBR Wales and Borders / GBR Cymru a'r Gororau
– An empowered, locally focused corporate structure within GBR,
aligned closely with TfW and operating with clearly delegated
authorities. This is a significant step in delivering a more
joined‑up system that reflects the needs of Welsh passengers
and cross‑border communities.
-
Partnering Arrangements Between GBR and TfW –
A commitment to develop a formal partnering arrangement between
GBR and TfW to support integration of track and train, reduce
interface complexity, and promote a more coherent and
responsive railway.
-
Cross‑Border Services – A clear framework for
developing, managing and funding cross‑border services
collaboratively, ensuring continuity, transparency and shared
oversight of changes that affect communities on both sides of
the border.
-
Core Valley Lines (CVL) Interface and
Simplification- A shared ambition to reduce
unnecessary regulatory complexity on CVL, and a commitment to
develop jointly agreed interface arrangements that support
smooth operation of CVL and the rest of the rail network.
-
Governance of Enhancement Investment – The
continued recognition of the Wales Rail Board as a strategic
forum for reviewing funding, business plans and delivery of
enhancements; reflecting the continuing maturity of Welsh rail
delivery capability.
The publication of this MoU represents the culmination of months
of intensive, collaborative work. It signals the strong and
practical partnership that will underpin how our governments
deliver rail reform in Wales and the Borders. It offers greater
transparency for Parliament, the Senedd, industry and the public,
setting out clearly how each government will work with its
respective delivery bodies and with each other.
Looking ahead, Network Rail and TfW will now begin work on
developing a formal partnering arrangement on behalf of GBR,
building on the commitments in this MoU, to allow for closer
joint planning, clearer accountability, and stronger alignment
across infrastructure and train operations. This work, coupled
with the Shared Objectives for the next funding period, will
support the delivery of a more integrated railway that meets the
needs of passengers and communities across Wales and the
bordering regions of England.
This MoU represents a significant step forward in the journey to
deliver rail reform across Great Britain, and address the
existing challenges faced by the Wales and Borders railway both
now and in the future. We are confident that the MoU will provide
a basis for deeper collaboration between the UK Government and
the Welsh Government, and in future GBR and Transport for Wales.
It will improve reliability and performance, strengthen
cross‑border connectivity, and deliver a modern railway that
better serves passengers and freight and the communities in the
Wales and Borders Area for decades to come.
