Train Crew Shortages - Question

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords am 11:28 am ar 5 Rhagfyr 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Minister of State (Department for Transport) 11:28, 5 Rhagfyr 2024

The Northern staffing and industrial relations issues are intractable and, as I said, have been there for a very long time. In the past five months or so, we have at least got to the bottom of how many disputes they have, what they are about and how they might be resolved. The management of Northern is working hard to do that. It is unacceptable—the Government are clear that it is unacceptable—but there is no point in just painting it as a public sector operation. It was brought into public ownership four years ago because the service was dire then. All I can say is that not much effort was made to sort it out in the four years until this Government took office.