Rail Safety Recommendations: Backlog

Baroness Pidgeon Excerpts

Tuesday 28th April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

My noble friend touches on a subject very dear to my heart. I find it quite extraordinary how we are prepared somehow to tolerate the excessive numbers of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. He makes an interesting proposition and I will endeavour to look into it on his behalf.

[Baroness Pidgeon (LD)]

My Lords, in the latest data published from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, there are 13 different railway incidents that occurred over a decade ago that still have outstanding safety recommendations. When will these safety issues finally be resolved?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

My information tells me that only 11 remain overall. Of course, I say “only”, but that is still a number. Five of the recommendations that are open are the responsibility of the DfT, and three are in the process of being closed. Two are of a complex nature and are taking time to resolve. It would be wrong of me to pre-empt the necessary work that needs to happen to make sure that there are no unintended consequences from the actions recommended.