Union leader advocates increase in powers for Wales over rail

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Plaid Cymru's Helen Mary Jones

Transport trade unionist Mick Lynch giving evidence to the Senedd’s Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee this week gave his backing for more powers for the Welsh Government over railways.

During the Welsh parliamentary committee, Mick Lynch, RMT (The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) Assistant General Secretary said:


“I think you need to push Westminster to get more power, to get yourself more public ownership so you run the transport system for the Welsh people rather than profiteers. I think that applies across the transport sector.”

During the evidence session on COVID-19 and the transport sector he added: “The franchise system which you’ve been forced to take part in some ways to get autonomy over those rail lines has got to be challenged and we would love the Welsh Government and the Welsh politicians to take their part in challenging Westminster about that broken model going forward.”

Plaid Cymru Shadow Economy, Transport and Tackling Poverty Minister Helen Mary Jones Mid and West MS commented :

“I’d support what Mick Lynch said about the Welsh Government having more powers over railways. If I was the Minister responsible it would make my job easier.

“We can’t build back better with regard to transport unless we have full powers, and resources, over rail.”


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