Vince Cable

Vincent Cable MP is to meet SW Trains after the company (along with other rail companies) threatened to cut services unless given a bigger government grant.

Vincent Cable said: "Local commuters will find it difficult to understand why the rail companies are threatening to cut back when they have just enjoyed average fare increases of 6%, despite low and falling inflation; when SW Trains owners made £31.7 million profit in the last six month operating period; and when there are continuing problems like train cancellations (3,848 by SW Trains last year). We also face the threat of cutbacks in staffing at booking offices though the Government Minister has apparently demanded a rethink here.

"Obviously the recession will affect all companies including the rail operators. But recent profits have been very healthy and this is, after all, a captive market."