Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Norman Baker,
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Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
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Local MP reveals rail passengers still suffering delays under Labour
Commenting on today’s publication on train punctuality times, Lewes MP Norman Baker has hit out at the Government’s appalling record in tackling train delays. New figures uncovered by Norman’s parliamentary colleague and Lib Dem Shadow Transport Secretary John Thurso MP, reveal that despite Network Rail’s announcement that it has beaten its punctuality target for the first time, passengers have effectively lost a total of over 12,000 years on delayed trains since Labour came to office. This has cost the nation’s economy over £1 billion.
In Sussex, commuters on Southern Trains have been left considerably worse off since Labour came to power as delays have increased by almost 7% from 12.4% of all journeys in 1996/7 to 19.3% in 2004.
Commenting on the figures, Norman said:
"Although the better punctuality times announced today are welcome news for passengers, they will have plenty of time to reflect on the fact that delays are still worse than when Labour came to power.
"Passengers have lost over 12,000 years of their lives waiting for trains since 1997. Every major network in the country has declined under Labour, including Southern which has seen a 56% increase in delays, despite the best efforts of the company.
"The Government’s inability to provide a safe, reliable and affordable rail network is costing the nation dear."