It is said that most political careers inevitably end in failure. I seem to have turned this statement on its head and started my journey with a series of defeats! I've been reminded that it is a year since the local government elections. This made me reflect what a year it had been and how … Continue reading A turbulent year
Laurence Fox's appearance on BBC Question Time certainly set off a social media debate on 'white privilege' and what it does or doesn't mean. As users of social media will be aware this rarely ends up with measured argument, where opinions are respectfully countered and true to form it didn't let us down in this … Continue reading White Privilege
There is quite rightly, a great deal of anger about the failure of the rail industry to meet the 1st January 2020 deadline for all UK passenger trains to be fully accessible. Some of the extensions have been granted years into the future, despite more than a decade to either refurbish or replace non-compliant rolling … Continue reading Equal Access on the railways – how much longer?
I believe we should judge our society by how we treat the most vulnerable within it. I am founder of the Bedfordshire Rail Access Network which campaigns for step-free access for train stations across Bedfordshire. We were successful in campaign for funding for Biggleswade train station and we will push for this work to be … Continue reading Julian Vaughan – a strong voice for rail users
While we undergo ‘Brexit paralysis’ – a barely functioning government; business planning at a standstill; and political discussion stuck on ‘leave or remain’– we still suffer fundamental problems which have nothing to do with Brexit. Problems which will not be fixed by any Brexit outcome – hard, soft or otherwise. We will still have: an … Continue reading Beyond Brexit
Theresa May recently announced the end of austerity, however in spite of the give-aways there is little cheer in the Chancellor’s budget for many across North East Bedfordshire. The raising of the income tax thresholds will mean that those on the highest incomes in the county will gain far more than low and middle income … Continue reading Budget brings little cheer for the ‘just about managing’ in NE Bedfordshire
Below is my open letter sent to Alistair Burt, MP for NE Bedfordshire, sent on 29th May concerning the chaos on the railways affecting many thousands of commuters in Bedfordshire. As I post this on 31st May, 11 days after the start of the botched timetable, Chris Horton finally breaks cover stating the introduction would … Continue reading Open Letter re GTR Timetable Chaos
I was interested to read Alistair Burt’s comments in the Biggleswade Comet (5th October) about his desire to improve accessibility at Biggleswade train station. Mr Burt mentions that his government operates an Access for All fund to enable equal access for passengers. What he neglected to mention was that his government has consistently cut funding … Continue reading ‘Access for All’ off the Rails
After Trump's election I hoped, without any real conviction I must admit, that perhaps all the lies, posturing, distasteful stances on any number of topics, the 'America First' speeches etc. were all just bluster, and once in office he would settle down and would be the figurehead for your usual Republican administration, albeit a particularly right wing … Continue reading Trump – School Bully turns Head Teacher
Recently there was a fatality on the East Coast Main Line due to a person being struck by a train. What followed on social media was disappointingly familiar, and while not stooping to Jeremy Clarkson's level - who stated that we should leave the bodies on the track for scavenging animals - gave little, if … Continue reading Fatality on the Railway
