Labour steps up rail protest

Labour MSP James Kelly has called for Abellio to be stripped of the ScotRail franchise after a Christmas of rail disruption.

Mr Kelly met with disgruntled commuters in Cambuslang on Monday morning as they returned to work after the Christmas break.

The Labour Party stepped up its campaign for public ownership as the TSSA rail union held a demonstration at Glasgow Central Station.

Campaigners who camped out at the rail platform are urging the Scottish Government to take action after months of delays and cancellations to trains across the country.

Mr Kelly, who threw his weight behind the protest, said: “I started this week out campaigning at Cambuslang station. People across Rutherglen and Cambuslang are this week going back to work and face rising fares for a shoddy service.

“It’s time to hit the brakes on rail privatisation. Hard pressed local passengers have just seen a rip-off fare rise following months of poor service, with late running, overcrowded trains.

“The SNP claimed this was a worldleading deal, but it’s clear that more and more people are being persuaded by Labour’s plans for public ownership.”

Peak rail fares in Scotland rose by 3.2 per cent this month, mirroring the retail price index (RPI) rate of inflation.

The hike means the cost of an annual ticket from Cambuslang to Glasgow Central has risen by £21. The season ticket cost £660 in 2018.