Responding to the news that the owners of the Southern rail have been fined £13.4m for poor performance, Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington Tom Brake said:

“The Government’s decision to fine Southern is an insult to millions of commuters who have endured unacceptable delays, cancellations and overcrowded trains for far too long.
“Whilst Southern continue to provide the worst performing service in the country, they got off with just a slap on the wrist. This fine will do nothing to reassure millions that the Government are taking the situation seriously.

“The Southern dispute needs a radical solution. In the short term, the Liberal Democrats are proposing that the Department for Transport take over Southern Rail. A tough measure such as this will make it clear to the other companies running rail services that when they fail their customers, they will be sacked too.”