Britain’s Railways Are Broken. It’s Time to Put Passengers First

For too long, rail passengers across Newbury and West Berkshire have been paying more and more for a service that delivers less and less. Rising fares, unreliable services, overcrowded carriages, and basic facilities that simply don’t work have become an accepted part of daily life, and that isn’t good enough.

Hard-working people in our constituency rely on trains to get to work, reach major cities, visit family, and access vital services. Without reliable rail links, many residents would face real barriers to opportunity. Yet despite eye-watering ticket prices, passengers are still left standing for long journeys, struggling with patchy Wi-Fi, broken toilets, or the bureaucratic headache of trying to claim compensation when things go wrong.

That’s why yesterday in Parliament, the Liberal Democrats introduced a Rail Passengers’ Charter Bill, to put passengers first and drag our railways into the 21st century.

This Charter would set out, in law, the basic standards that rail users should expect as a minimum. That includes high-speed Wi-Fi and reliable phone signal, clean and accessible toilets, and adequate seating for journeys over 30 minutes. These aren’t luxuries, they are essential if people are expected to work, travel, and live their lives on our rail network.

Crucially, the Charter would also require automatic compensation for delays. Too often, passengers are entitled to a refund but never receive it because the system relies on them filling out lengthy forms and jumping through hoops. If the service fails, compensation should be automatic - simple, fair, and hassle-free.

In Newbury, I regularly hear from constituents who are fed up with overcrowded trains, unreliable timetables, and a sense that passengers are being taken for granted. People feel they are paying a premium for a service that simply doesn’t match the price tag, and I agree with them.

This Charter won’t fix every problem overnight, but it is an important step towards rebuilding trust in our railways. It would commit rail operators and Great British Railways to improving customer experience, delivering better value for money, and treating passengers with the respect they deserve.

Britain’s railways should be a source of pride, not frustration. My constituents deserve better, and I will keep pushing for a rail system that works for the people who rely on it every day.