Press Release: John McDonnell MP is outraged at extension of First Great Western’s franchise.

John McDonnell MP is outraged at extension of First Great Western’s franchise. First Great Western Railway have recently had their franchise extended. This is against a background of having handed back its franchise in 2011 in order to avoid paying more than £800m in premium payments to the government.

The Government gave First Great Western Railway the opportunity to extend their franchise whilst they were considering whether to re-franchise it again. They have now extended it again which is effectively giving First Great Western a new franchise.

John McDonnell said “It is incredible that the Government have rewarded First Great Western in this way. First Great Western have not only failed to pay £800 m in taxes but they are delivering an appalling service in my constituency. The trains are overcrowded and often cancelled. This is a good example of why we need to bring the rail network back into public service”.