MP calls for U-turn on rail fare increases

A WEST Lothian MP has added his voice to calls for the Westminster Government to cut the planned increase to rail fares.

Livingston representative Graeme Morrice has voted for a Labour motion which calls for the restoration of the one per cent above-inflation cap on annual fare rises.

Rail fares are set to go up by three per cent above inflation in January, while ministers have also given back the right to raise fares by another five per cent above inflation to train operating companies.

Mr Morrice said: “The Government has shown how out of touch it is by putting the wrong people first on rail fares.

“Labour would be putting passengers first and implementing a strict one per cent above-inflation cap on fare rises to ease the pressure on household budgets.

“Only Labour offers fairness in tough times and will tackle the cost-of-living crisis being faced by households in West Lothian.”