Latest news

Rushed Scotrail Franchise A Missed Opportunity

Rushed Scotrail Franchise A Missed Opportunity

Shadow Transport Minister Mark Griffin MSP, has slammed the Scottish Government for their handling of the Scotrail franchise, as Dutch company Abellio are awarded the 10 year contract, currently operated by First Group.

Since becoming Shadow Transport Minister, Mr Griffin has called for greater public control over Scotland’s railways and has criticised the Scottish Government for missing a trick, especially as further devolution on public ownership models could be forthcoming from the Smith Commission.

Speaking after the announcement, Mark said:

“This is a deeply disappointing decision by the Scottish Government.

“I thought that the Scottish Government would have welcomed calls from Scottish Labour and transport unions to suspend the franchise pending the outcome of the post-referendum devolution settlement. In awarding the contract to a company in the Netherlands, they have denied the people of Scotland a greater say over the running of our railways for years to come.

“This was a great opportunity for the Scottish Government to get and use more powers, and put more power in the hands of the people of Scotland. Instead they have chosen to put profits and politics first.”

Latest news

You can keep up-to-date with Mark's latest news by adding him on Facebook.

Click here to view Mark's Facebook profile.

Get in touch

  • You can contact my office by calling 01236 423 555.
  • You can email me at mark.griffin.msp@scottish.
    parliament.uk
  • You can also write to me at: Mark Griffin MSP, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP.

Contacting Mark …

Loading