Future of the South Western rail franchise

Early day motion 49, tabled 9 January 2020 by Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 5 members.

That this House recognises the appalling service that passengers of South Western Railway (SWR) have experienced since the former Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Member for Epsom and Ewell, awarded the franchise to SWR in March 2017; further recognises that commuters' journeys were severely disrupted by the recent 27 day strike due to the continuing dispute between SWR and the RMT union; notes that recent accounts published by Companies House show SWR lost £137 million in the year to March 2019 and that the Directors' Statement published alongside those accounts made clear that there is material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern; calls on the Secretary of State for Transport to make a statement to Parliament setting out what actions he is taking to improve the train services for people living in the South Western franchise area, to penalise SWR for their lamentable performance, and any related poor performance by Network Rail, and to ensure this franchise is operated by a financially sound and competent company; and believes the best short and medium term option would be for the South Western rail franchise to be transferred to Transport for London.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 3, Labour 2.