Andy McDonald MP,
Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to the publication of the
Gibb report into Southern Rail, said:
“Ultimately, the buck stops with the Government.
Tory ministers, who designed and awarded the franchise, are responsible for the
shambolic delivery of enhancement works and have directed this unnecessary
industrial dispute.
“The Gibb report paints a picture of a chaotic
relationship between Network Rail, the Department for Transport and Govia
Thameslink Railway – none of which have sufficient oversight or responsibility.
“The report contains some sensible proposals for
how to improve services, but without ending the industrial dispute and bringing
the franchise to an end, passengers will continue to suffer.
“It is within Chris Grayling’s power to end the
industrial dispute tomorrow by calling off his plans to expand Driver Only
Operation, which poses risks to passengers and severely restricts accessibility
for those with disabilities. Similar disputes elsewhere on the network have
been resolved and there’s no good reason for this to drag on any longer.
“A Labour Government would stand up for the
interest of passengers rather than train companies, taking Southern back into
public ownership and creating a new body to have strategic oversight for the
railway, thereby avoiding the chaos and fragmentation that has plagued Southern
passengers for too long.”
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