Govia Thameslink Franchise Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Clive Efford
Main Page: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham and Chislehurst)Department Debates - View all Clive Efford's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Govia Thameslink Franchise
Clive Efford Excerpts(6 years, 7 months ago)
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Mr Speaker
The hon. Lady’s question, although comprehensive, was notably shorter than the delays about which she complained.
Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab)
I have said to the Minister in the House several times that Govia runs not only GTR but Southeastern. This morning, services were again delayed because of a broken-down train. That is not infrastructure; it is the rail operating company. Why do the Government turn a blind eye to Govia? It is not fit and proper and should have its franchises taken away.
Joseph Johnson
The Department’s hard review, which is under way, is looking into GTR’s preparedness for the timetable change and will leave the Secretary of State with the full range of options, should GTR be found not to have the managerial strength or capability to be a train operating company. All options will be available to the Secretary of State at the review’s conclusion, which we hope will come by the end of this month.