Labour's Rail Nationalisation Promise | Matthew Lesh on GB News
On GB News, Matthew Lesh, Public Policy & Communications Director at the IEA, shares insights on Labour's plans to nationalise the railways. Lesh argues against the proposal, citing historical failures of nationalisation and warning of bureaucratic complexities. He critiques Labour's promises of efficiency gains and highlights potential disruptions from increased union power. Additionally, Lesh questions the feasibility of delivering on Labour's ambitious pledges without clear funding sources.
In response to concerns about competition, Lesh advocates for a pro-competition model, emphasising the success of open access operators like Lumo. He suggests that fostering competition among rail operators, similar to that of airlines, could lead to improved services and lower costs for passengers.
00:00:24 - Risks of the proposed plans
00:00:47 - Critique of proposed bureaucracies
00:01:05 - Lack of clarity on funding
00:01:30 - Importance of competition
00:01:49 - Impact on existing operators
00:02:37 - Limits of competition on railways
00:02:57 - Advocacy for open access
00:03:33 - Challenges of excessive government control
00:04:16 - Call for pro-competition model
00:05:03 - Success of open access operators
00:05:24 - Comparison with airline industry
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"How much competition can we have on the railways?" Well, none. They're monopolies almost by definition - hence the price hikes.
A right wing Tory think tank from 55 Tufton Street. What else would they say? Why does the IEA refuse to reveal who they are sponsored by?
I want re-nationalised I agree, it's good enough for other European countries were services and prices are better. At last Labour announce a proper significant policy and one with widespread support. Similar to 2017 and 2019 election manifesto's under Corbyn, but Starmer said he supported renationalised rail in the leadership election.
What a heap of tosh. There have been so many failed franchises that it clearly doesn't work.
Japan has private railways and does far better.
@@andrewharris3900 The Japanese system isn't 100% private and it was privatised on a very different model to the UK.Also what they privatised was a modern , efficient and well maintained system. The system is still very heavily subsidised by the Japanese taxpayer.
@facelessnomore UK railways were built by private companies and then later nationalised and then partially re-privatised. Private works better.
@@andrewharris3900 Have you actually looked at the history of the Railways? The Grouping Act of 1923 was enacted by the government in an effort to stem the losses being encountered by the private companies which threatened the very existence of railways. By 1948 the Railways were again on their knees and nationalisation was the only way to fund the modernisation of the railways, which was badly needed. I think need to read your history books before you claim private is best.
Who funds you IEA????
why have national roads but not rail? It needs nationlised its a mess.
Japan has private railways and is one of the best in the world.
@@andrewharris3900 japans not full of mongs...
Prices are getting higher, services are getting worse, why not try something new? Also the mental gymnastics of right wingers wanting train companies to make money whilst hating trains
I want re-nationalised I agree, it's good enough for other European countries were services and prices are better. At last Labour announce a proper significant policy and one with widespread support. Similar to 2017 and 2019 election manifesto's under Corbyn, but Starmer said he supported renationalised rail in the leadership election.
How are you funded IEA, the public prefer transparency ..
I'm surprised they have the gall to appear in public after Liz Truss' shambolic attempt at leadership
Interesting comment from the mysteriously funded IEA. Tell us who pays you and we’ll listen
Anyone that can remember the train service in the 70s and 80s would never want it privatised again
I want re-nationalised I agree, it's good enough for other European countries were services and prices are better. At last Labour announce a proper significant policy and one with widespread support. Similar to 2017 and 2019 election manifesto's under Corbyn, but Starmer said he supported renationalised rail in the leadership election.
The Labour Party seem under the impression that the railways are drowning in enormous profits; a nationalised railway will absorb a lot of debts, pensions, liabilities and salaries.
I want re-nationalised rail I agree, it's good enough for other European countries were services and prices are better. At last Labour announce a proper significant policy and one with widespread support. Similar to 2017 and 2019 election manifesto's under Corbyn, but Starmer said he supported renationalised rail in the leadership election.
@@JamJam0189 Services and prices being better in some countries isn't a particularly helpful example; no-one ever explains how much those trains cost in terms of tax, or compares the infrastructure (the layout in particular in France is completely different to the UK system). Whilst re-nationalising the railways is popular, this doesn't alter the fact it's not the silver bullet people like to think; even Labour themselves do not deny prices could still increase (although doubtless the price increases will be blamed on the Ukraine war).
Who funds you? Who funds you?