Sir John Kingman has been named as the first Chair of Great British Railways. Sir John will begin his duties immediately. The Government said he will play a ‘critical role’ in shaping the design of the new organisation, continuing the integration of train and track operations, as the Railways Bill continues its passage through Parliament.

Passengers have made more than 2,000,000 journeys on the Northumberland Line less than two years after it opened. The line has 416 services a week along the route, a 29km freight line which was reopened to passengers in December 2024. Six stations were built and more than 26km of track was renewed, although the opening of some stations was delayed by local problems.