I
want to start my column this week by saying how deeply disappointed I am, that
at the time of writing, the biggest rail strikes in three decades is set to go
ahead this week. If they do, this will have a huge negative impact on people’s
lives here in Cornwall.
It
is deeply regrettable that the unions have decided to press ahead with this
action while negotiations are still ongoing, and to further disrupt the economy
at a time when we are already facing so many challenges is quite simply
unacceptable.
This
detrimental industrial action will halt all rail services in Cornwall for this
week and impacts on the lives of so many people. It not only severely affects
services for people going to work, but for pupils going to school and college
and taking exams. It also massively disrupts those who have hospital
appointments and hospital staff as well as increasing the number of people on
the road, causing major delays. It will also cause damage to the hundreds of
local businesses who rely on tourists being able to travel into and around
Cornwall by train.
It
is important to remember that this dispute is between the private companies who
run the rail services, and the unions, over pay and terms and conditions. As
such it would not be appropriate for the Government to intervene and even if it
did, its role would be hugely limited. The only source of funding for any
significant pay rises will be increased rail fares. At a time when so many are
already facing significant increases in the cost of living this can only be
another blow to many household budgets and seems to be totally lost on the
union barons.
That
is why it is so disappointing and frustrating, but not surprising, to see
Labour refusing to denounce this strike action. This shows that they do not
support the working people in Cornwall and are happy to sit back and watch
while huge disruption is inflicted on families and businesses. That is a stark
contrast to this Government, which provided £16 billion in financial support to
keep the railway industry going throughout the pandemic. It is shameful to see
the Government’s efforts to maintain vital transport links for key workers and
commuters being undermined by actions like this.
Meanwhile
you only have to look at last month’s announcement of nearly £80million of
Government funding for the vital St Austell to A30 link road - more than double
the amount of funding given to any other scheme and the biggest single
investment by any government in mid-Cornwall – to see this Conservative
Government’s commitment to investing in transport infrastructure for residents
in Cornwall.
Some
more positive news was also announced for Cornwall on Saturday after the
Government gave further backing to ambitious plans to connect Newquay, St
Austell, Truro and Falmouth with a direct rail line link, something I have
championed for many years. The Mid Cornwall Metro is a hugely exciting project
as it will see the four biggest towns in Cornwall linked up as well as many of
the smaller communities in between with a through train.
I
am so pleased to see it make it through to the next stage the Government’s
Restoring your Railway programme. This means Network Rail and Cornwall Council,
who are working together on this project, will now be awarded government
funding to work on a business case to deliver the scheme.
I
believe the Mid Cornwall Metro will bring about a number of positive changes
for people in Cornwall and help residents to get around the county more
sustainably. While we are a little way off the project coming to fruition yet,
I am positive that we will soon see the benefits of the plans as improvements
made to the county’s tracks and signalling system will mean more regular trains
on those branch lines.
I
am looking forward to seeing the next phase of this project as we take another
step towards making it a reality for the benefit of all residents in Cornwall.
Unlike other parties, this Government clearly recognises and understands the
huge importance of investing in and maintaining transport infrastructure for
those living in the Duchy.
As
always, if I can be of any further assistance, my office is available for any
constituents needing help, advice or guidance – tel. 01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk
