Wolmar should focus on the railway… not politics

I want to protest at the space given in RAIL to the intemperate political rantings of Christian Wolmar.

Phrases such as “a bunch of evangelical Christians shoring up the vicar’s daughter” have no place in what is supposed to be a serious professional magazine.

Where is the right of reply to this drivel? Or even a columnist who might refer to a crew of ex-IRA cons propping up the Commies (sorry, modern Labour Party). You get the point?

We know Wolmar is desperate to become a Labour MP, but this magazine is surely not the vehicle to propel him on his way. But at least that would be good riddance.

What is the purpose of Wolmar? What is he for? We know he hates HS2 with a vengeance, but surely he at least has the political gumption to realise that once Royal Assent is given to an Act of Parliament it is the law. HS2 will be built - no ifs, no buts.

And please, can we have a pro-rail columnist to replace him? Soon? David Myles, Matlock

Christian Wolmar refers to Theresa May as a “lame duck PM” ( RAIL 829), but I seem to recall that only 12 months ago Jeremy Corbyn’s own MPs were calling him the same and trying to oust him.

We’ll know in 12 months’ time if her fortunes will change, but in the meantime we don’t need ‘Mystic Wolmar’ filling RAIL’s pages with his Socialist views.

It seems to me that you either have to sack Wolmar or find a right-wing railway expert to write two pages each month to balance the paper’s views.

Surely the best solution would be to leave politics out and concentrate on railways! Gerald Creed, Bristol

I enjoy reading RAIL because of the up-to-date news and features.

However I took exception to Christian Wolmar’s article regarding the last election.

I did not like his description of the Cabinet, as I found it quite offensive and not related to the rest of the article.

I am not interested in his or anyone’s political views, especially in a rail magazine. I wish to read only about rail news, while recognising that Government policies influence rail operations, investment, etc.

I hope you understand my concerns and I will continue to read RAIL. David O’Hara, Abingdon

The Editor replies:

Wolmar has always been an opinion writer who prompts strong views, and I am entirely happy to publish these equally strong reactions.

But the key word there is ‘opinion’. Christian’s column is precisely that - it is an opinion, not a news story, which by definition must be impartial. And as such it is neither my role, nor indeed desirable, for me to interfere in that opinion.

Provided what Christian says is free of libel, then a good Editor allows a columnist free rein. It’s his view, not mine - and believe me, Christian and I disagree about just about everything!

As for who has a right of reply? Well, readers do. And you have excercised that right very clearly!

I receive similar complaints from time to time about Barry Doe’s views, by the way, and indeed my own. That is the essence of debate which columnists are there to promote. Thanks for joining that debate - and do stay with us!