The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) strongly welcomes the UK government’s decision to bring South Western Railway back into public ownership—the first step in reversing the country’s decades-long experiment with rail privatisation. This marks a significant political shift and a renewed recognition that public transport must serve people, not profit.
The UK Transport Secretary’s statement that the system must “refocus away from private profit and towards the public good” underlines what workers and passengers have known for years: privatisation has failed. Across Europe, liberalisation and fragmentation have led to deteriorating working conditions, staffing cuts, and unreliable services. Public ownership offers the only credible path to rebuilding quality, integrated rail systems that meet social and environmental needs.
ETF General Secretary Livia Spera commented: “The decision to return South Western Railway to public hands is not just symbolic—it’s a clear rejection of the failed ideology of rail privatisation. Workers and passengers deserve better. We call on governments across Europe to follow this example: reintegrate rail systems, invest in quality public services, and put workers at the heart of the transition.”
UK rail unions have welcomed the move. RMT demanded the insourcing of outsourced services, such as cleaning and security. ASLEF praised the decision to “put wheels and steel back together,” while TSSA stressed the importance of ensuring strong protections for all workers throughout the transition.