Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to the report into Network Rail’s performance by the Office of Road and Rail, said: 

“This report is not only a damning indictment of Network Rail, but of the Government’s performance too.

“Rail punctuality and investment targets have been missed, overall passenger satisfaction is declining and Network Rail has overspent its budget by over £200 million. 

“Passengers have understandably had enough of the current flawed system, facing inflation busting fair rises of over 20 per cent since 2010 whilst services have been getting worse.

“This week, the Government once again failed to deny that they were looking at breaking up and selling off parts of Network Rail, but the last thing we need now is yet more fragmentation and more privatisation. What we need is a new strategic body to improve co-ordination, a real passenger voice in how our railways are run and more public control, not less.”