Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, responding to comments made by Amber Rudd on Southern Rail, said:

“To attempt to pin the blame for Southern’s miserable service on trade unions rather than the incompetence of management and government ministers is an insult to long suffering passengers.

“As commuters are well aware, Southern’s sub-standard service predates any industrial action and trains are cancelled, late and dangerously overcrowded every day regardless of strike action.

“Rather than playing the blame game, the Government should accept responsibility for the unacceptable service commuters are subject to and focus on resolving the dispute, as recommended by the Transport Select Committee. 

“The truth is that ministers are defending this failed franchise as a point of political pride when they should be sticking up for taxpayers and commuters.”

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