East Coast Main Line decision “defies all logic”, says TUC

date: 26 March 2013

embargo: For immediate release

Responding to today's (Tuesday) announcement by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin that the East Coast Mainline is to be re-privatised, TUC General Secretary and Chair of the Action for Rail campaign Frances O'Grady said:

'This decision defies all logic. Since returning to public ownership the East Coast Main Line has flourished with passenger numbers and customer satisfaction increasing and all profits re-invested back into improving the service.

'The government, however, is not interested in evidence-based policy and is once again putting the interests of private companies and shareholders before those of commuters and taxpayers.

'This is privatisation for privatisation's sake, as ministers steadfastly ignore what is best for the rail industry and the people who work on it and use it.'

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