Ed Miliband Calls on Labour to Look Ahead After Keir Starmer Says Sorry to Streeting for Hostile Media Leaks
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- By Katherine Foster
- 03 Mar 2026
The administration has introduced the visual identity for Great British Railways, constituting a notable step in its plans to take the railways under public control.
The new design showcases a Union Flag-inspired design to echo the Union Flag and will be applied on GBR trains, at stations, and across its digital platforms.
Significantly, the emblem is the recognisable twin-arrow design historically used by National Rail and previously created in the mid-20th century for the former state operator.
The introduction of the new look, which was created in-house, is set to take place in phases.
Travellers are set to begin noticing the newly-branded services throughout the national network from the coming spring.
In the month of December, the visuals will be showcased at key stations, like Birmingham New Street.
The legislation, which will pave the way the creation of Great British Railways, is presently making its way through the legislative process.
The government has argued it is taking control of the railways so the system is "owned by the public, working for the passengers, not for private shareholders."
Great British Railways will bring the operation of train services and tracks and signals under a unified structure.
The department has said it will combine seventeen separate bodies and "eliminate the frustrating administrative hurdles and accountability gap that continues to plague the railways."
The launch of Great British Railways will also involve a dedicated app, which will let users to view train times and reserve tickets without booking fees.
Accessibility users will also be able to use the application to arrange assistance.
Multiple train companies had already been nationalised under the outgoing government, including LNER.
There are currently seven train operators now in public hands, representing about a third of passenger trips.
In the past year, South Western Railway have been brought into public ownership, with additional operators expected to be added in 2026.
"This isn't just a cosmetic change," stated the relevant minister. It symbolises "a transformed service, casting off the issues of the previous system and focused solely on providing a genuine public service."
Industry representatives have acknowledged the focus to improving the passenger experience.
"We will carry on to work closely with industry partners to ensure a smooth changeover to the new system," a senior figure added.
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