NORTHERN RAILWAY FRANCHISES

Early day motion 1831, tabled 28 October 2003 by Ann Cryer (Labour). Signed by 25 members.

That this House expresses its dismay at the creation of the Transpennine Express and Northern Rail franchises out of the existing North West and Northern franchises; notes that under the terms of section 212 (30) of the Transport Act 2000, the Strategic Rail Authority has the power to take direct control of railway services at the end of the franchise period, but instead has chosen to re-tender the Northern franchises to the private sector; believes this form of re-privatisation will compound the problems of fragmentation of railway services in the North of England, creating uncertainty for passengers and employees, with reports of future train crew depot closures and cuts in station staff, and represents a missed opportunity to create a single integrated rail service in the region; and therefore calls on the Government to review this decision as a matter of urgency.

Signatures by party: Labour 25.