NORTHERN RAIL FRANCHISE

Early day motion 1716, tabled 12 October 2004 by Harold Best (Labour). Signed by 38 members.

That this House notes that the Northern Rail franchise due to begin on 17th October, will now be delayed due to the failure of the Strategic Rail Authority and Serco/NedRailways to reach agreement on final contract terms; further notes that the decision is another in the series of delays that have marked the Northern Rail franchising process; believes that the decision raises concerns for passengers and rail workers alike; maintains that the delay taken alongside recent reports that the number of passenger franchises will be reduced from 25 to 16 by 2011 highlights the wider problems facing rail passenger services; and believes that following the rail review the Government should now take the necessary steps to stabilise passenger services and bring Northern Rail into the public sector as has been done successfully on South Eastern Trains.

Signatures by party: Labour 37, Liberal Democrat 1.