In a written statement to Parliament, Devizes MP Claire Perry has apologised for claiming that “…we have the safest and most punctual railways in Europe.”
In part, her apology read: “The statement on punctuality cannot be substantiated.” She added these careful chosen words: “We can say that UK rail passengers are among the most satisfied in Europe with train punctuality and reliability.”
Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, Michael Dugher MP, responded: “This is an extraordinary admission from the rail minister. ‘Calamity Claire’ – the curse of the commuters – has struck again. First she shows how out of touch she is by saying commuters on packed trains should realise that they are paying ‘fair fares for comfortable commuting’. Now she is having to backtrack on her claims on train punctuality.
“As confirmed by the latest Network Rail board minutes, the truth is that punctuality is at its lowest level for seven years and fares have risen by 20 per cent on average since the election.”
In her written ‘Ministerial Correction’, Mrs Perry was at pains to note some positive comparisons with Europe: “…we do have the safest major railway in Europe, as well as the most improved railway in Europe according to the European Commission…”
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