Andy Burnham should consider copying Rachel Reeves' one good idea if he wants to win over the British people and stay in power as pressure mounts on the new Prime Minister, according to an opinion piece by Luke Chillingsworth.
Rising petrol and diesel fuel costs, historically high national debt levels and an ongoing cost of living crisis that Mr Burnham promised to sort out are not helping the new Labour leader, the article argues. The only way Mr Burnham can win swathes of support is helping cash-strapped Britons stay afloat, and copying Rachel Reeves' best idea could be the answer: freezing rail fares.
Rail fare freeze until March 2027
It has been almost one whole year since Ms Reeves confirmed train ticket fares would be frozen from March 2026. A massive boost for commuters who keep the country running and much-needed, it came after years of hikes, with rail fares increasing by 5.1% in 2025 compared to a 3.2% rise in the Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation between March 2024 and March 2025.
Rail fares also rose by 5% in 2024, 5.7% in 2023 and 4.8% in 2022. Labour claims that passenger fares rose by 60% between 2010 and 2024. Ms Reeves' decision was expected to save rail passengers £600 million between 2026/27, with commuters on some of the UK's busiest routes set to save over £300 per year.
Labour's missed opportunity
Labour probably didn't capitalise on the rail fare freeze as well as they could have done, the article suggests. It almost feels like it slipped under the radar. Confirming the plan during Budget season meant the story became just another announcement, with Labour's decision to abolish the two-child benefit cap ending up dominating the headlines instead.
But rail fare freezes are the kind of vote-winning policy that Mr Burnham may need if rumours over an early election are to be believed. The Conservatives hiked rail fares for years, so this is one area where Labour can steal a march on Kemi Badenoch. Passengers could be set for a 4.2% hike next year, and Mr Burnham could jump in and intervene.
Potential benefits of cutting fares
Reducing fares will boost passenger numbers, taking pressure off the roads and helping Labour to decarbonise without forcing everyone into an EV. Germany has already cut rail fares with the launch of a new Deutschlandticket monthly subscription. Since its launch in 2023, passenger numbers have soared by up to 25%.
