Andy McDonald MP,
Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the publication of
Transport Focus’ National Rail Passenger Survey, revealing significant declines
in passenger satisfaction for 2016, said:

“The results of this survey expose the failure of
our privatised railways.
With promised upgrades delayed or cancelled and fares rising way ahead of
wages, it’s disappointing but not surprising to see passenger satisfaction down
across the board for 2016.

“With
this decline in passenger satisfaction, it’s becoming more difficult for the Government
to justify allowing private and foreign state-owned companies to take money out
of the system that should be used to improve services or hold fares down.

“It’s
clear than an alternative is needed for Britain’s railways. It is time for our
railways to be run under public ownership, in the public interest as an
integrated national asset in public hands with affordable fares for all and
long-term investment in the railway network.”

Jeremy
Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, responding to this morning’s judgment
from the Supreme Court that Parliament must give its approval to trigger the
process of leaving the EU, said:

“The
Government has today been forced by the Supreme Court to accept the sovereignty
of Parliament.

“Labour
respects the result of the referendum and the will of the British people and
will not frustrate the process for invoking Article 50. 

“However,
Labour will seek to amend the Article 50 Bill to prevent the Conservatives
using Brexit to turn Britain into a bargain basement tax haven off the coast of
Europe.

“Labour
is demanding a plan from the Government to ensure it is accountable to
Parliament throughout the negotiations and a meaningful vote to ensure the
final deal is given Parliamentary approval.“

Clive
Lewis MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, commenting on the launch of the Government’s new
industrial strategy, said:

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s talk of government taking a ‘new, active’ role
in backing businesses, but what we’ve heard today is full of rhetoric and thin
on detail.

“From business rates to Brexit, many of businesses’ most pressing concerns are
currently going unanswered. Unless the Government puts a lot of flesh on these
bones this will be a strategy of spin rather than substance.

“All the signs so far are that the Government is not prepared to put its money
where its mouth is. The money offered for skills falls far short of reversing
the cuts to adult education since 2010, for example, while the “cash boost” for
the North is a fraction of the budgets of Labour’s RDAs.

“For all the fanfare, reversing the economic damage done by the Tories and
steering the economy through the turbulent times ahead is going to require the
Government to be much bolder.”

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home
Secretary, speaking in response to reports that plans by councils to
settle refugees have stalled without Government resources, said: 

“Many councils across the country are willing to step up and take
their share of refugees. But they cannot provide the housing and services these
incredibly vulnerable people need without adequate support from the Home
Office.

“This Tory Government needs to live up to its moral and legal
obligation to help people fleeing persecution and war.”

Dave Anderson MP, Labour’s Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, commenting on
reports of the shooting of a police officer in Belfast, said:

“This attack is deeply concerning; our thoughts are with the
injured officer.

“This is a stark reminder of the danger all PSNI officers face
every day when performing their duties. We cannot let those who wish to take
Northern Ireland back to its painful and violent past succeed.“