News

RFG News – February 2026 – Issue 176 RFG news 176 banner

RFG News – February 2026 – Issue 176

The February 2026 edition of RFG News, the Rail Freight Group’s regular newsletter, has been published. Download your copy here! Inside this latest issue, you’ll find: • A landmark Government-backed deal to reinvigorate cross-Channel rail freight, with plans to transform Barking Eurohub into a major international logistics hub. • Major milestones for rail freight infrastructure, […]

National Planning Policy Framework Draft response Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government’s

National Planning Policy Framework Draft response

RFG is pleased to provide a response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government’s proposed National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for 2026.  Moving freight by rail is a government priority, intending to achieve 75 percent rail freight growth by 2050. To meet or exceed this goal, rail freight terminals must be in optimal […]

RFG delighted to welcome Mathis Edwards as its new Policy Manager Mathis Edwards RFG Policy Manager

RFG delighted to welcome Mathis Edwards as its new Policy Manager

RFG is delighted to welcome Mathis Edwards to the role of Policy Manager. Mathis will play a key part in supporting RFG’s Director General, Maggie Simpson OBE, strengthening the organisation’s policy capability and helping to deliver RFG’s priorities on behalf of members. The role reflects the growing breadth and intensity of rail freight policy activity, […]

RFG calls on Parliamentarians to amend Railways Bill to provide a strong independent appeals function for rail freight

RFG calls on Parliamentarians to amend Railways Bill to provide a strong independent appeals function for rail freight

Rail Freight Group (RFG) today (19 January 2026) called on Government and Parliamentarians to amend the Railways Bill 2025 to strengthen the independent appeals function for rail freight. Under the Bill, which starts its Commons Committee stage this week, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) will be stripped of its current role in awarding […]

Rail Freight Group welcomes strengthened commitment to freight through Transpennine Route Upgrade roundtable

Rail Freight Group welcomes strengthened commitment to freight through Transpennine Route Upgrade roundtable

Rail Freight Group (RFG), alongside rail freight operators, customers and wider industry partners, attended a strategic freight roundtable with the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) Programme on Tuesday 13 January. The session was co-chaired by TRU Managing Director James Richardson and Huw Merriman, Chair of the Liverpool–Manchester Railway Partnership Board, and marked an important step in […]

RFG welcomes Northern Powerhouse Rail commitment and calls for freight to be an essential part of the project

RFG welcomes Northern Powerhouse Rail commitment and calls for freight to be an essential part of the project

Rail Freight Group (RFG) has welcomed the Government’s announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), describing it as a significant opportunity to strengthen rail connectivity across the North and Midlands, provided rail freight capacity and capability are embedded in the plans from the outset. Although freight is not expected to run on new high-speed lines, released […]

RFG News – December 2025 – Issue 175 RFG News banner 175

RFG News – December 2025 – Issue 175

The December 2025 edition of RFG News, the Rail Freight Group’s regular newsletter, is now available to read. 👉 Download your copy here! Inside this festive final issue of the year you’ll find: • The Railways Bill passes its second reading in Parliament, putting rail freight firmly into the legislative spotlight and moving Great British […]

‘Freight isn’t just for Christmas’ says NR Chief Executive at RFG Christmas Lunch Jeremy-Westlake-speaking-at-the-RFG-Christmas-Lunch-2025

‘Freight isn’t just for Christmas’ says NR Chief Executive at RFG Christmas Lunch

Rail Freight Group (RFG) hosted its hugely popular Christmas Lunch yesterday (10 December) at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, bringing together over 800 members and guests from across the UK rail freight community to celebrate another year of achievement for the sector. A firm fixture in the rail freight calendar, the lunch once again drew […]

RFG calls on parliamentarians to support rail freight

RFG calls on parliamentarians to support rail freight

Rail Freight Group (RFG) today (9 December 2025) called on parliamentarians to support rail freight as the Railways Bill 2025 has its historic second reading in the House of Commons. Moving freight by rail supports every person in the UK, moving consumer and retail goods, construction materials for new homes and infrastructure and supporting energy […]

Rail freight in Scotland Rail Freight in Scotland

Rail freight in Scotland

Scotland has long led the UK in championing rail freight, from pioneering a national growth target to investing in cleaner, more capable rail infrastructure. As the country accelerates towards a net-zero future, rail freight offers a vital, low-carbon link between industry, communities and Scotland’s emerging green energy hubs. This manifesto and policy document sets out […]