The SNP Should Suspend the ScotRail Bid

There was the occasional moment during the frantic referendum campaign that Labour activists could be forgiven for longing for the days when politics was discussed in terms of fairness, not flags, of constituency interests, not constitutions.

Not that the debate around Scotland’s 300 year plus partnership with the rest of the UK was not important, but most of us in the Labour movement did not get into politics to debate these things. We got involved to build a better nation, one of equality and prosperity.

That the referendum is now behind us does not mean Scottish politics has moved on from the constitution, we are now debating the Smith Commission, and what powers should be delivered to Holyrood to reflect the decision of the majority of Scots – a stronger Scottish Parliament backed up by the safety, security and stability of the UK.

In short, we are now debating powers for a purpose, rather than just for powers sake.

One such power will be the ability for the Scottish Government to facilitate a non-profit bid for the ScotRail franchise which serves Scotland’s commuters. The current franchise is up for renewal and the operator for the next decade is due to be announced by Transport Minister – and SNP deputy leadership hopeful Keith Brown, this month. ScotRail receives huge levels of public subsidy – over £500 million in 2012/13 alone, but also pockets huge profits, with £95 million going into shareholder pockets since 2008. That is £95 million that a non-profit service could have used to invest more jobs, training, better services or cut fares. Scottish Labour and the Transport unions back suspending the bid until the devolution of transport powers allows for that non-profit bid.

I have previously written of my hope that Scotland’s parties will come together to work in the interests of the Scottish people post referendum. The ScotRail scenario seems like a no brainer, a checklist of positives that we can all get behind;

More powers for Scotland? Check.

An opportunity to invest in our economy? Check.

An opportunity to deliver better jobs and cheaper fares? Check.

So why are the SNP opposed?

Keith Brown has voiced his support for a non-profit bid previously. In fact he has done it very recently as part of his pitch to be deputy leader of the SNP, and Deputy First Minister of Scotland.

Yet when I faced him on national radio last week he denied having the power to suspend the bid whilst power is devolved.

This is simply not true.

The invitation to tender for the franchise allows the bid to be suspended, and the franchise agreement itself makes clear that there is scope for the Scottish Government to adjust the contract.

But for whatever reason, Mr Brown does not agree. His decision as Transport Minister is baffling, but his decision as a candidate for SNP leadership is eye-opening, and one hopes it does not reflect a party unwilling to engage with the Smith Commission, or willing to fail, in order to fuel the politics of grudge and grievance that I would have hoped had been left behind by the referendum result.

The reality is, the people of Scotland want their parties to come together to deliver a better Scotland. But building a better nation takes political will and leadership. Keith Brown is pitching himself as leadership material to his party, but as Scots wait on delayed trains to only find their expensive ticket has bought them a place on an overcrowded service, they may reflect he isn’t showing leadership in his day job.

James Kelly MSP is Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities