Chinese £1.2bn rail deal

George ‘should quit job’

A FIRM from China will run one of the country’s biggest rail firms.

The Government’s shock news that MTR will operate South West Trains has been criticised by unions who say more business has been awarded to firms outside the UK.

It will operate the franchise with First Group for seven years from August. The new operators will oversee a £1.2billion investment to improve journeys, with a fleet of 90 new trains.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is frankly ludicrous that the Tories are continuing with the ‘any state but the British state’ policy.”

The Department for Transport said: “Faster journeys will be delivered with a fleet of new trains.” GEORGE Osborne’s constituents think he should quit as an MP if he goes ahead with his new job as a newspaper editor.

More than half said the Evening Standard role would harm his ability to represent Tatton voters.

Around six in 10 agreed the ex-Chancellor has a “moral obligation” to only have one job and 66% said he should choose between his MP role in Cheshire and running London’s main newspaper.

The study, by campaign organisation, 38 Degrees, found just 5% think the editorship would have a positive effect. Diana Simkins, of 38 Degrees, said: “He needs to pick one job and stick to it.”

Mr Osbourne has at least three other jobs including after-dinner speaker.