PMQs: Lisa Nandy says ministers withheld Northern Rail chaos information

At Prime Minister’s Questions today, Labour MP Lisa Nandy said leaked emails show government ministers ignored warnings of Northern Rail chaos two years ago.

The MP for Wigan said the emails showed officials discussing how to handle public relations.

“Propagate the myth that the service is closing entirely, then people will rejoice at the news that it is merely being diverted,” reads one email.

“Passengers in the north of England have had enough” says @lisanandy who waves leaked government emails showing rail problems were known about two years ago.

#pmqs https://t.co/y3OmBWEJ5A pic.twitter.com/6uTgT8xfo1

— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) June 20, 2018

“Passengers have had enough,” said Nandy. “These emails are a disgrace.”

Responding to Nandy’s question, the Prime Minister said the government does not respond to leaked documents. She added that the Department for Transport has been reassured about the new timetable by an independent panel.

I’ve been handed emails showing that Ministers and DfT officials were warned about Northern rail chaos 2 years ago. They show utter contempt for Northern passengers. #PMQs

— Lisa Nandy (@lisanandy) June 20, 2018

They admit key Northern routes will be axed as early as 2015… pic.twitter.com/hh1EW20TOA

— Lisa Nandy (@lisanandy) June 20, 2018

…but Ministers continued to assure MPs those routes will be saved. pic.twitter.com/A8B0in4t6H

— Lisa Nandy (@lisanandy) June 20, 2018

Chris Grayling says he will learn the lessons. He must explain what he knew and when. All emails must be realised. pic.twitter.com/QgZ2pGnSws

— Lisa Nandy (@lisanandy) June 20, 2018