Category: Transportation

  • Jim McMahon – 2021 Comments on Rail Cuts

    Jim McMahon – 2021 Comments on Rail Cuts

    The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Transport Secretary, on 5 January 2021.

    The Government must ensure that transport services are being run in such a way that the essential workers using them, as well as staff, are kept safe.

    The bailout of the rail industry is expected to exceed £9bn and ministers cannot continue to shift the financial burden onto the taxpayer while guaranteeing private companies’ profits.

    The Government needs to come up with a long-term plan to ensure the industry can recover, while providing value for money for those who rely on it.

  • Jim McMahon – 2021 Comments on the Aviation Sector

    Jim McMahon – 2021 Comments on the Aviation Sector

    The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Transport Secretary, on 1 January 2021.

    This piecemeal approach from the Government appears to do very little to protect the rights of workers, who have suffered as a result of opportunistic fire and rehire policies, and leaves the taxpayer to shoulder most of the risk.

    It’s time for the Chancellor to deliver on the full package of support he promised the aviation sector months ago.

  • Grant Shapps – 2020 Comments on Christmas Travel Refunds

    Grant Shapps – 2020 Comments on Christmas Travel Refunds

    The comments made by Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport, on 21 December 2020.

    It is imperative that we all follow the new measures and play our part in tackling this virus, protecting others and safeguarding our NHS.

    If you booked a coach or rail journey between 23 and 27 December, you are entitled to a cash refund. This ensures no one is left out of pocket for doing the right thing – staying home in tier 4, and elsewhere staying local and only meeting your Christmas bubble on Christmas day.

  • Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on Chaotic Scenes at Railway Stations

    Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on Chaotic Scenes at Railway Stations

    The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, on 20 December 2020.

    The chaotic scenes at train stations came hours after the Prime Minister ducked the question of whether people should travel.

    Weeks ago, Labour proposed a plan to make public transport safe before Christmas. The Government ignored it.

    The Prime Minister’s dither, delay and lack of clear guidance mean we have – yet again – failed to control the spread of the virus.

  • Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on Government’s Rail Fare Increases

    Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on Government’s Rail Fare Increases

    The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, on 16 December 2020.

    By allowing yet another fare hike, the government will make rail travel unaffordable for many and discourage people from getting back on to the network when restrictions ease.

    The government’s failure means Britain is facing the worst recession of any major economy. This will be yet another kick in the teeth for families struggling to get by.

  • Grant Shapps – 2020 Comments on Coaches for Christmas

    Grant Shapps – 2020 Comments on Coaches for Christmas

    The comments made by Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport, on 12 December 2020.

    We’ve already set out important measures so journeys can run as smoothly as possible this Christmas. Today’s funding announcement for the coach sector goes one step further, ensuring there are more options available for people wanting to travel to celebrate with loved ones and friends.

    We remind everyone that it’s essential to plan their journey and book ahead, be considerate of other passengers and staff across our transport network, and follow the guidance, including keeping space and wearing a face covering, unless exempt, on public transport.

  • Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on Exempting High Value Travellers

    Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on Exempting High Value Travellers

    The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, on 7 December 2020.

    What message does the Government feel it is sending, at a time when following Covid rules is critical, when there are one set of rules for those it considers ‘high-value’ and another for everyone else?

    If the Government is serious about supporting businesses and saving jobs, it must set out a proper plan to support everyone through this crisis. Labour has been clear we must protect jobs in every part of the country and rebuild business with a support package that reflects the level of need and severity of restrictions in different areas.

  • Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on “High Value” Travellers

    Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on “High Value” Travellers

    The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, on 4 December 2020.

    If this Government was serious about supporting the economy and jobs it would bring forward a proper package of financial support for businesses and the self-employed and a comprehensive plan for airport testing.

    Instead we have Tory ministers announcing loopholes for those they consider ‘high-value.’

    With this Government it is always one rule for some and another rule for everyone else.

  • Grant Shapps – 2020 Comments on Christmas Travel Planning

    Grant Shapps – 2020 Comments on Christmas Travel Planning

    The comments made by Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport, on 3 December 2020.

    With many people carefully considering whether to travel to see loved ones this Christmas, we’re taking steps to try to ease journeys.

    Clearing 778 miles of road works and postponing rail upgrade works will ease congestion, minimise disruption and allow extra services to run.

    That action is backed by scrapping the admin fees for changing advance rail tickets, ensuring a strong staff presence to help people on their way. And I’ve asked former Olympics transport boss and Chair of Network Rail Sir Peter Hendy to carry out a rigorous assessment alongside transport operators to ensure everything possible is being done to help.

    We’re working with transport operators to help people see their loved ones, safely. We ask everyone to closely consider their journey, plan and book ahead, be patient, and be considerate of fellow passengers – and particularly staff who have worked so hard all year – by following the guidance carefully, including keeping space and wearing a face covering on public transport.

  • Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on Support for the Aviation Sector

    Jim McMahon – 2020 Comments on Support for the Aviation Sector

    The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Transport Secretary, on 24 November 2020.

    The Government promised support for the aviation sector in March, this is not it. The Government has again been incompetently slow to react. They’ve had months to set up airport testing and months to sort out the flaws of their quarantine proposals.

    It will take a long time to recover from the impact of the virus. The Government must come up with the sector-specific plan it promised for the aviation sector and its supply chain that supports almost a quarter of a million jobs and protects the environment.