PM ready to hold talks on universal income scheme

SPECULATION IS mounting that a number of train operators are on the verge of being taken under the control of the Government because of a collapse in passenger numbers due to the coronavirus crisis.

Normally packed commuter trains into cities including London have been running with vastly reduced numbers aboard, especially since the Prime Minister urged people to work from home.

There are reports in the industry that some train companies will soon come under the control of the Government’s Directly Operated Railways because of huge cashflow problems.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told MPs on Tuesday that rail companies, as well as bus firms and airlines, could be temporarily nationalised to help them through the outbreak.

Meanwhile, Northern yesterday said it was sorry to announce a series of cancellations including Sheffield-Doncaster, SheffieldGainsborough, Leeds-Sheffield– Nottingham and Leeds– Harrogate fast trains. Northern said passengers should check before travelling.

THE INTRODUCTION of an emergency universal income scheme to help workers affected by coronavirus is being considered, Boris Johnson confirmed.

Mr Johnson said introducing a universal basic income to aid financially hit workers “will certainly be considered” and he agreed to hold talks with supporters of the proposed scheme.

But Downing Street sources indicated that the preferred option for supporting people would be to use the existing welfare system.

The Prime Minister’s comments came after being urged by both the SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford and a Labour MP to provide workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak with “an income guarantee”.

Almost 500 experts have signed an open letter organised by Dr Neil Howard of the University of Bath, calling for the urgent implementation of universal basic income.

Mr Blackford said: “Thousands of people are already losing their jobs, it’s happening today.

“Millions will face the same threat. They need reassurance

BORIS JOHNSON: Said calls for universal income will ‘certainly be considered’ to protect workers.

and support, and they need it today. They need an income guarantee.

“We must not repeat history. People are worried about their bills, they are worried about keeping a roof over their head.

“In the last financial crisis, the banks were bailed out but ordinary people were not. Prime Minister, you have it within your power to protect people’s incomes and provide them with peace of mind.”

Mr Johnson agreed to hold talks with supporters of the universal income scheme, adding:

“I agree profoundly with what he said about not repeating history.

“It is very important that as we ask the public to do the right thing for themselves and everybody else, that no-one – whatever their income – should be penalised for doing the right thing, and we will make sure that that is the case.”

A Number 10 source said: “Our priority is to work up solutions that can be deployed quickly, are effective and reach the right people.

“This includes through the current welfare safety net and particular benefits like Universal Credit.”

Meanwhile, the new Bank of England boss Andrew Bailey has not ruled out handing money directly to households and businesses to cope with the coronavirus crisis, and he urged firms to seek support before laying off staff.

In an interview with Sky News, Mr Bailey, who took over from Mark Carney on Monday, said the “Bank of England’s not done”, and signalled it would consider radical moves to keep people financially afloat if necessary.