Train firm stripped of franchise over failure to declare £25m of taxpayer cash

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Under the new operator, we will prioritise the punctual, reliable services passengers deserve, rebuild trust in this network, and the delivery of the reforms set out in our Plan for Rail – to build a modern railway that meets the needs of a nation.” Southeastern’s services will be run by the Government Operator of Last Resort, which already oversees London North Eastern Railway and Northern. Asked about the situation on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: “This has just been announced at 7 o’clock and I understand the Serious Fraud Office will be involved in this, so there is a limit to what I can say.” He added: “If there appears to be evidence of wrongdoing, then it is right to sweep away.” A brief statement on Southeastern’s website said: “Our passengers will see no change in our day-to-day operations. It employs employs 4,000 workers and serves 180 stations using a fleet of almost 400 trains It defies belief that even after this scandal was exposed that Govia are still running UK rail services Mick Lynch, RMT Southeastern’s latest contract started in April 2020, running until October 16, with the option to extend at the DfT’s discretion until March 2022. Rail, Maritime and Transport union general Secretary Mick Lynch said it “defies belief” that the company is still running rail services “after this scandal was exposed”.