Passengers before profit

Growing up, my father worked as a storeman on British Rail. The warehouses were bustling hubs of activity, filled with workers dedicated to train manufacturing and maintenance. But in the 1990s, John Major’s government privatised Britain’s railways, resulting in massive job losses. The number of rail workers plummeted from a quarter of a million in 1990 to just 130,000 by 1997. Behind those statistics are real lives—like those of my father’s colleagues—disrupted by an uncertain future. The constant fear that my dad might be next cast a long shadow over our home. Such experiences leave an indelible mark.

A secure, well-paid job is more than just a monthly wage; it’s the bedrock of economic growth. I’m committed to using my background as an employment lawyer to advocate for a new deal for working people. But we must ask: was the pain caused by rail privatisation worth it? Did it bring about the promised competition, efficiency, and improved services?

I’ve asked commuters in Glossop, New Mills, Whaley Bridge, Chapel, and Buxton, and I’ve heard your resounding “No.”

Instead, they face frequent delays, cancellations, overcrowded trains, and soaring fares—up more than 40% in real terms. British passengers now pay some of the highest fares in Europe, all for diminished service.

Public transport investment yields significant economic returns—£4 for every £1 spent. But since privatisation, too much money has gone to shareholders rather than improving services. In 2022-23 alone, rolling stock companies paid out over £400 million to shareholders. This isn’t just unjust; it’s a barrier to economic growth in places like High Peak.

High Peak has been overlooked for far too long. It’s time we got our fair share of investment, economic growth, and public services. Let’s start by bringing our railways back into public ownership, where they belong.