Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, responding to the news that the co-owner of the Southern rail franchise, the Go-Ahead Group, announced a 27 per cent rise in profits, said:

“Southern rail’s long suffering commuters will be shocked to learn that that the worst franchise operator in the country has declared profits up 27 per cent on last year. With fares up over 25 per cent up since 2010 and yesterday’s announcement of £20 million of taxpayer’s money going in to prop up this failed franchise, no wonder Southern passengers are at their wits end. This franchise has failed and taxpayers and passengers have had more than enough and it should be brought to an end now. This Tory sponsored rip off of the public simply has to stop.”