‘Rail services are in freefall across the country’, says Haigh

Shadow secretary of state for transport Louise Haigh clashed with rail minister Huw Merriman in the commons on Thursday morning.

Haigh said: “not only is the North and the Midlands not getting the infrastructure it requires, rail services across the country are in freefall, experiencing record cancellations on top of fewer services than any time since records began”.

Secretary of state for transport Mark Harper also gave a statement on ongoing strike action. He said: “I want a sustainable, thriving rail network. But with 20% of passengers not having returned following the COVID pandemic, reform is vital. I would urge all trade union leaders to get back around the table with employers to hammer out the detail of that reform”.