Rail Safety Recommendations: Backlog

Baroness Kingsmill Excerpts

Tuesday 28th April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

As I have clearly explained—I assume by his question that the noble Lord believes that we should describe it as a “backlog”—the complexity of these accidents and incidents undoubtedly means that they need to go through the process. The process was set up because previous accidents were not dealt with effectively, and we had more and more of them. It would be wrong to interrupt that process, as we are seeing good results because of it. We need to make sure that everything is done appropriately and that we reach conclusions as soon as practically possible.

[Baroness Kingsmill (Lab)]

My Lords, I draw attention to the role of the trade unions in improving safety on the railways. I have acted on behalf of ASLEF on a number of occasions, and I commend the trade unions for all their efforts to improve safety not only in the railways but in other industries.

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for those comments. Throughout tragic incidents, we need to remember the roles of the people who work on the railways, supported by their trade unions. Their actions are nothing short of heroic in many cases. We need to pay tribute to them and to make sure that safety remains at the heart of everything that we do to progress the railways in this country.