If the Labour Party wins power, Britain’s railways will soon be back in public ownership and will see a huge overhaul – benefitting both passengers and the economy
On track for rail change
The privatisation of Britain’s railways was one of greatest follies ever committed by a Conservative government.
Since the rail companies were taken out of public control, fares have risen but services have declined. Recent figures show that more and more trains are delayed or cancelled.
This is despite the Government handing the private operators billions of pounds a year in subsidies. Labour will on Thursday pledge to end this costly disaster by taking the railways back under public control. This intervention cannot come soon enough.
Money which should have gone on upgrading services has been chucked into the pockets of owners and shareholders. Even when the evidence exists that publicly run lines are more efficient and offer better value for money the Tories have persisted with an ideologically driven private model that does not work for passengers or taxpayers.
It has left the country with an inefficient, dilapidated and overpriced rail system that is holding back the economy and fails to meet the needs of a dynamic, greener Britain.
Political titan
Frank Field spent his whole political career seeking to improve others’ lives.
The former Labour MP campaigned tirelessly to end the scourge of poverty, improve the rights of low-paid workers and prevent children from going hungry. He stood up to greedy bosses and championed the underdog.
Even those who disagreed with his views admired his decency and sincerity.
It speaks volumes of how highly he was regarded that tributes to him yesterday came from his political friends and his opponents. He stood as a reminder it is possible to be in politics without compromising your integrity.
Capital chaos
Five horses from the Household Cavalry caused chaos in Central London yesterday after bolting during a rehearsal.
We hope the wounded animals and those they injured make a full recovery.
