The Shadow Rail Minister has accused the government of “giving up reforming the railways” and “managing a decline with passengers and businesses paying the price”.
Stephen Morgan’s comments came during his keynote speech at the Railway Industry Association’s Annual Conference during which he also pledged a long-term vision and strategy for the railways and a commitment to it coming under public ownership.
He said: “Labour wants to take power out of the hands of Whitehall and we want to deliver the biggest reform of public transport in more than a generation working with other leaders, mayors, industries to deliver a credible and transformative programme of transport infrastructure. This includes Northern Powerhouse Rail replacing the current Victorian era infrastructure and building connectivity between Liverpool and Hull and across the North. By building capacity we will improve performance, reduce congestion and encourage more freight on rail a key part of industrial strategy and shift to net zero.
“In place of the fractured, fragmented chaos we see today we will bring our railways into public ownership where they belong, delivering a unified rail network with passengers at the heart. A passenger focused railway with a single guided mind.”
Commenting on the recent cancellation of Phase 2 of the HS2 project from Birmingham to Manchester he said: “The Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Lou Haigh will commission an independent expert inquiry into HS2 to learn lessons for the future and ensure major projects are delivered on time and on budget.”
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