SETTLING THE SOUTHERN RAIL DISPUTE

That this House recognises that the service performance for Southern rail passengers and for train and other rail staff has been unreliable and frustrating for everyone; notes that the series of deliberate extra causes of cancelled, delayed and overcrowded trains and platforms should end; further notes that unresolved progress in operational and working practices are best agreed between employer and employees with the assistance of the trade unions and the Department for Transport; notes with approval the ten letters by transport ministers to the trades unions from November 2016 to July 2017; welcomes the meetings organised this month by the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham for discussions between the general secretaries of the RMT and ASLEF with MPs of all parties for affected constituencies; and asks all concerned to come together for the sake of the travelling public who depend on the railway services for work, study, contact with family and friends, and for recreation and shopping journeys.