Tomorrow, Tuesday 19 June, Labour will seek to force a vote of no
confidence in the Secretary of State for Transport, .
Labour’s opposition day is a ‘confidence motion’ in . This is a little used but
well established parliamentary device that seeks to test whether
the House of Commons supports a Government Minister in the
carrying out of their responsibilities.
These motions have traditionally been treated as a ‘matter of
confidence’ in a particular individual. Therefore it is
politically imperative that the Government defeats such a motion
to ensure an individual can remain in post. The motion also calls
for the termination of the Northern and Govia Thameslink Railway
franchises.
Speaking ahead of the debate, , Labour’s Shadow Transport
Secretary said:
“The crisis facing our railways is a national scandal, and the
person ultimately responsible must be held to account.
“ has failed to fulfil his
basic duty to manage our railways, and failed to take
responsibility for the chaos and disruption that has affected
thousands of commuters across the North of England. While
officials within rail franchises have resigned and forgone
bonuses, the Secretary of State has continued to pass the buck.
“Passengers across our country have no confidence in . It’s time Parliament steps
in to hold him to account, and immediately terminate the Northern
and Govia Thameslink Railways franchises, to end the crisis in
our railways.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
The text of the motion:
No Confidence in the Secretary of State for
Transport
That this House has no confidence in the Secretary of State for
Transport, the Rt Hon Member for Epsom and Ewell; notes the
failed implementation of the May rail timetables which has left
thousands of commuters without services and has drastically
affected their everyday lives; believes Northern and Govia
Thameslink Railway should have their franchises terminated;
regrets that the Secretary of State for Transport has failed to
strategically manage and oversee the UK railway and take
responsibility for his role in the crisis on England’s railways,
whilst officials at other organisations have resigned and forgone
bonuses.
