UK Parliament / Open data

Transport Secretary: East Coast Franchise

Yes, steam was still around.

For most of the first part of my professional life, I used British Rail to commute. The idea that it was a paragon of virtue and good service is just nonsense. My memory, which I do not think has deserted me, is of old and failing rolling stock, poor maintenance, timetables that were never operated, and a lack of investment. That is not the reality now. Since privatisation, the Government have invested billions in railway infrastructure. Over the next five years, they will ensure that there is another £20 billion—actually, there will be much more than coming that directly from the private sector investing in new rolling stock, which will be the biggest benefit for the public.

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
641 c871 
Session
2017-19
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
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