Caroline joined campaigners in Brighton this morning in a demonstration against rising rail fares. She is calling on the railways to be brought back into public hands to improve the service for passengers.

Caroline has tabled a Private Members Bill [1] in Parliament on the issue. The Bill is expected to have its second reading on 22nd January. 

She is also set to meet with Claire Perry, the Railways Minister, and train companies on 18th January. 

Caroline said:

"The case for public ownership of our railways grows every year. As prices continue to soar, many services are failing woefully.

"If the government really wants to make savings and improve our transport network for everyone, it should recognise that privatisation has failed and take steps to return the railways to public ownership.”

"By taking back individual franchises when they expire or when a company fails to meet its franchise conditions, the state could save over £1 billion a year every year – an amount that can be spent on improving services and reducing rail fares."

ENDS

[1] Caroline’s Private Members’ Bill: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/railways.html

Photos of Caroline at the demonstration are available on request. Caroline is also available for interview.

Contact: Matthew Butcher on 07885 459 904