The Rail Freight Group, Britain’s representative body for the sector, says it’s time to renew the concerted lobby of elected representatives in support of growth. The call comes in a leader from Maggie Simpson, OBE, the long-serving director general of the Group. Ms Simpson says that the rail freight lobby has to speak up loudly for itself in a time of constrained public expenditure.
The summer season has passed without a focus on rail freight, says Maggie Simpson in her latest Rail Freight Group address. However, there has been a storm blowing through the corridors of power in Westminster, with a new government sweeping in and introducing a sheaf of new legislation. That has touched the rail industry in general. The new socialist Labour Party is pushing through its commitment to renationalise the passenger railway. However, Maggie Simpson urges the sector to speak up for rail freight, or they may find themselves whistling down that political whirlwind.
UK government growth target
The new Secretary of State for Transport and a Sheffield Member of Parliament, Louise Haigh, has directed her junior ministers and civil servants to work fast and fix matters left outstanding by the last government. Already, the Bill to enable the passenger railway to be renationalised is making its way through Parliament, and more recently, a shadow Great British Railways management structure has been launched to make that a reality. From now on, Haigh intends for Network Rail to work closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) on railway decision-making.
“The Ministerial statement on Shadow Great British Railways did include a number of welcome commitments to supporting our sector,” noted Maggie Simpson, including legal duties and a continuation of the UK government growth target for rail freight – albeit a modest 75 per cent uplift by 2050. However, she expressed concerns over a rapid rollout and a passenger emphasis. “It will be very easy for freight to be overlooked. To counter that, we all need to pull together to keep our sector high up the agenda.”
Interest in rail freight facilities
The rail freight sector has often been left to fend for itself, says the RFG. Maggie Simpson is encouraging the sector to fight its own corner. “Our task at RFG is always easier when there is positive news, and all members can use our networks to promote their activities,” she says. “The things you all do are making a difference and deserve their place in the spotlight. News sinks to the bottom quickly. We need to keep a constant flow of positive stories. We know they are out there.”
Maggie, who has been a frequent advocate for the sector and often contributes directly to RailFreight.com, also said that many newly elected or re-elected MPs are showing interest in rail freight, particularly where they have facilities in their constituencies. “Ensuring we have support on the backbenches, in particular, will be essential as new laws are progressed. Now is a great time to showcase what you are doing.” Any elected members can expect an invitation from the sector any day now.