James Cunningham

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Jim Cunningham speaks on Network Rail’s failings

Jim Cunningham MP (Coventry South) yesterday in the transport debate in the House of Commons shared his anger over Network Rail’s failings to complete engineer works on time earlier this month.

Mr Cunningham welcomed the Government inquiry into what caused the engineer works to overrun.

Yesterday, Mr Cunningham said the situation “caused a great deal of public anger and it is important that we find the causes of the problems”.

Mr Cunningham said “In the debate I wished to portray the anger felt by many of the city.

“I gave the example of railway companies herding people onto buses with little comfort and explanation, dealing with customers in an arbitrary way.

“The services provided were poor and the situation should have been prevented”.

Only last night further engineer worked caused delays Virgin Trains, London Midlands and Cross Country services.

Mr Cunningham believes strongly that the blame for the mess should be shared between Network Rail and the privatisation of the railways. Mr Cunningham reminded the House that the previous Conservative Government should also share some of the responsibilities of the situation because they broke up the railways.

Mr Cunningham said “there were 100 different companies and it [the railway structure] was a total mess.

“We should bear that in mind when the Opposition criticise us”.