MP calls for Transport Secretary to appear before Parliament after misleading the House over Lakes Line suspension

Local MP Tim Farron has today called for the Transport Secretary to explain himself after misleading the House over the suspension of trains on the Lakes Line in Cumbria.

Last Monday, Chris Grayling said he would not allow the closure of the Lakes Line to be extended by Northern Rail.

But on Friday, a spokesperson from the Department for Transport said that they would not be objecting to the rail company’s request to close the line for a further two weeks.

Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, Tim said: “The Transport Secretary told this House that he would do one thing and he has gone and done the complete opposite. 

“Mr Speaker, what can you do to compel the Secretary of State to appear before the House to explain himself and ensure that commitments made by a Minister of the Crown in this House are actually fulfilled?”

In reply, the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, said that it would be up to the Secretary of State to clarify whether he had misled the House.

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: “The decision to extend the suspension of the Lakes Line is causing severe disruption to so many people’s lives.

“Chris Grayling misled both Parliament and people here in Cumbria when he said he would reject Northern’s request for the line to be closed for a further two weeks.

“People are rightly furious that this was allowed to happen – Chris Grayling must appear to the House to explain himself immediately.”