Labour publishes GBR document, while Tories dismiss it
The Labour Party has published its proposal for creating Great British Railways, which is called ‘Getting Britain moving’ and runs to 28 pages. Speaking in London this morning, shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: ‘If I am secretary of state, I won’t be running the railways day-to-day, but I will act as ‘passenger-in-chief’ – setting the strategy and objectives for Great British Railways, and holding it to account. ‘But, unlike current Ministers, I will trust the experts. Experts who don’t just come from the rail sector – because we all know that it can sometimes be a little too inward-looking. But external experts in providing exceptional customer service.’ She revealed that if Labour is elected, instructions will be given immediately to the Department for Transport, Network Rail, the Rail Delivery Group and the Operator of Last Resort ‘to work together from day one to create a “shadow” Great British Railways’.
Labour unveils plans for Great British RailwaysThe Labour Party has unveiled the first details of its plans for Great British Railways, if it wins the General Election. The idea of a ‘guiding mind’ for the rail industry, as recommended by Keith Williams, would be confirmed by the passing of a new Railways Act. Labour is also announcing plans to ‘seize on the huge economic potential of rail freight’ and ‘deliver a new long-term strategy for train manufacturing’ as part of the party’s commitment to a comprehensive industrial strategy.
Eurostar eases booking conditions in pursuit of flexibilityEurostar is changing its three classes of travel from November, when they will become Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier. Passengers in the first two classes will be able to exchange tickets until one hour before departure, and claim a refund until seven days before the journey. Premier Class passengers will be able to claim refunds until two days after the booked departure.
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