Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, responding to the suspension of industrial action in the Southern Rail dispute, said:

“The news that talks have resumed and planned industrial action suspended will come as a huge relief to passengers and staff alike. The basis for an agreement is there and I urge a resolution to the dispute that recognises the importance of keeping our railways safe and properly staffed.

“The Government’s priority should be addressing the miserable failure of GTR to run an acceptable service, not picking a fight with staff at the expense of commuters.

“Even if the dispute is resolved today, the UK’s most economically important rail franchise will still be failing passengers who are suffering sky high fares and the worst delays in the country.

“The example of East Coast Mainline demonstrated clearly the benefits of a publicly owned railway: better services, improved industrial relations, investing profits back into the service and returning over £1bn to the taxpayer.

“If the Secretary of State is serious about sorting out the mess on Southern, he should be looking to strip GTR of its franchise and run services in the public sector.”