'˜No justification' for ongoing rail chaos says MP

A Sussex MP has stated that there is '˜no justification' for the ongoing rail chaos affecting hundreds and thousands of passengers across the South East.
Sir Peter Bottomley. Picture: Derek MartinSir Peter Bottomley. Picture: Derek Martin
Sir Peter Bottomley. Picture: Derek Martin

Sir Peter Bottomley MP for Worthing West made the comments following crisis talks held yesterday (December 19) with Charles Horton, CEO of Govia Thameslink Railway.

Sir Peter said: “Various positions were made clear. Some trains have no drivers, some have driver-operated doors, others have conductors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“With regard to Southern Rail trains that currently have guards; Govia plans to roster the same number of staff or increase their numbers.”

Sir Peter also met with the Prime Minister yesterday to discuss Southern Rail.

He added: “It is plan from many discussions with rail operators, unions, ministers and the Prime Minister that there is no justification for the disruption to travellers.

“The present disputes could be resolved by ACAS in half a day if unions felt pressured to stop their unreasonable actions.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Southern Rail services will be severely disrupted today (December 20) due to strike action by RMT Union conductors and an overtime ban by ASLEF and RMT drivers.

There will be no service on some routes after 6pm.

Travel disruption is predicted every day until further notice because of a shortage of drivers.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.