Rail Safety Recommendations: Backlog

Lord Glenarthur Excerpts

Tuesday 28th April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

Interestingly, we can see the main causes of accidents highlighted in this. We know, for example, that level crossings are a critical point and that the weather is becoming an increasing risk. The work that has been done following different accidents when track workers have been injured and, unfortunately, sometimes killed has led to a focus on trackside safety. I am delighted that the statistics are going in the right direction in that area.

[Lord Glenarthur (Con)]

My Lords, the noble Baroness described what has been done by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. Over the years, I have had some experience of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, which publishes detailed commentary on some incidents almost monthly. Is the Rail Accident Investigation Branch also able to publish documentary evidence when its reports are complete, so that we can all read it?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

My understanding is that the reports are published and that it should be possible to look through them in great detail. Otherwise, what is the point? We need to learn from these tragic cases and make sure that, wherever possible, we bring in these recommendations and adhere to them to make sure that they never happen again.