Rail Franchises Debate

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Department: Home Office
Monday 11th July 2016

(8 years, 4 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Portrait Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
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If the noble Baroness reflects on Hansard, I made it clear that the Government’s job is as a facilitator. We made it clear to both parties that they should have arbitration between them and find a resolution. The franchise is awarded to them. It is for them to come together around the table and find a resolution to this long-standing dispute.

Lord Lexden Portrait Lord Lexden (Con)
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With commuters losing their jobs as a result of this appalling dispute, has any assessment been made of the number of lost jobs?

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Portrait Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
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I cannot answer my noble friend’s specific question but I am sure that he is aware of the issue of compensation, raised by the noble Lord, Lord Rosser. I believe that my right honourable friend the Prime Minister made it clear last week that there will be additional compensation, which the Government are looking at, made available to those long-suffering commuters.