Sir Edward told MPs: “When the Secretary of State finally steps in and knocks heads together and we get our Azuma train to Grimsby via Market Rasen, will the Secretary of State instruct the railway company to name the locomotive Margaret Thatcher, to remind us all, the best way actually to reduce the cost of rail services is to end restrictive trade union practices?.
During Transport Questions in the Commons on Thursday, Sir Edward, the Conservative MP for Gainsborough, urged Ms Alexander to “knock heads together” and see the return of the LNER service between Cleethorpes and London, travelling through Grimsby, Lincoln and Market Rasen.
“So, instead, will she please focus on improving the lot of commuters, particularly Romford’s hardworking commuters, and take real steps to reduce rail fares and improve railway services?”.
“I would also point out to him that since 2020 train operating companies have paid out nearly a billion pounds to their parent companies signed off by Conservative ministers in the last government.
Ms Alexander said: “I am surprised that (Mr Rosindell) has the gall to raise this issue when, under his government, fares rose at around twice the speed of wages.
