Tim Loughton MP (East Worthing and Shoreham) organised a Westminster Hall debate on the performance of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). During the debate, Tim attacked the performance of Southern Railway and challenged the Minister to set out a timetable for GTR to be stripped of its franchise if they did not rapidly improve their “appalling” service.
The debate was well attended by over 20 MPs from across the political divide. Those present relayed the anger of their constituents with the current performance of GTR.
Opening the debate, Tim said:
“Our constituents are losing their jobs, literally; families are unable to see their children; students are missing lessons and in some cases exams; all as a result of woeful incompetence of this train company.
“There is no end in sight. It is embarrassing, it is pathetic, it is unsustainable and it is a national disgrace. The management, the unions and the Department of Transport should all be ashamed.
“Enough is enough. The Minister has got to get a grip on this.
“If this [Southern’s performance] has not been sorted by the beginning of September, after the impact of the emergency timetable, and there is absolutely no indication of improvement, then the Government should set out a timetable for stripping Southern of the franchise by the end of the year.”
After the debate, Tim said:
“I was surprised to hear in her response the Minister claim there was nothing in the contract between the Government and GTR which allowed her to rescind the franchise from them.”
You can watch the full debate here: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/62ce4633-66e8-4bb4-87a2-c7f99aafbf68