NEW THAMESLINK, SOUTHERN AND GREAT NORTHERN FRANCHISE

That this House is dismayed that the new Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise will deliver profits to the French and German governments whilst resulting in the loss of hundreds of essential railway jobs and a worse, less safe service for passengers, particularly for older, disabled and women passengers; notes the franchise has been won by French-owned Keolis with contractual requirements and incentives to sack guards, introduce driver-only operation and reduce station staff and ticket offices and is appalled that passenger service and safety is being jeopardised in this way; further notes that the rolling stock for the franchise will be provided and maintained by German multinational Siemens, who has refused to take on the existing train maintenance thereby threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of skilled railway workers; and calls on the Government urgently to review this franchise, ensure that these cuts do not take place and that rail passenger services and jobs are protected.