On the eve of the Government’s privatisation of the East Coast Main Line, Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, will announce today in a speech in Leeds that Labour will start the process of legislating in the first 100 days of a new Parliament to enable a public sector operator to take on a challenge for rail lines on a level playing field.
Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the last day East Coast Trains will run services on the East Coast Main Line, said:
“The end of East Coast Trains will be a hammer blow for passengers, taxpayers and employees alike. David Cameron’s ideological sell off has ended a public sector service, which has delivered over £1bn to the Treasury, kept fares down, had record passenger satisfaction and engaged the workforce with unparalleled success.
“It is clear that when it comes to transport, people have a straight choice – the status quo or Labour’s better plan. Labour will start the process of legislating in the first 100 days of a new Parliament to allow a public sector operator to be able to take on lines and challenge the private sector on a genuinely level playing field.
“Labour will also hold a speedy review of rail franchising to replace it with a system fit for purpose and create a strong passenger voice within a new strategic body for running the railways.”
ENDS