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ASLEF
JOURNAL
The ASSOCIATED SOCIETY of LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & FIREMEN SEPTEMBER 2017
ASLEF on thE
UndErgroUnd
Meet me by the entrance of the Tube
The train drivers’
union since 1880
railway enginemen’s tax free saver plans
save for your futurre
for less than your
favourite song on iT
Tunes
un
nes
tax free policies from 70p per day
for further information call us
u on freephone 08
800 328 9140
visit our website at www.en nginemens.co.uk
k
or write to us at Railway Enginemeen's Assurance Society Limited,
727 Washwood Heath Road, Birm Birmingham,
mingham, B8 2LE
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Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 2
ASLEF
JOURNAL
SEPTEMBER 2017
Published by the ASSOCIATED SOCIETY of LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & FIREMEN
Mick: They promise one thing and deliver another
Tories and the DfT –
here we go again 7 8
ELL, here we go again. A party that
W promised electrification of key areas in
2010, and then truncated the proposals
news
to win votes, has done it again: 2015 Commuters, cattle trucks and carriages 4
A Bridge Too Far for Edward Fox
electrification, 2017 no mention of reduced
investment until after elected. The figures for the 5
comparative investment, in particular rail, per John Davies: a tribute from Lew Adams 6
11
British Transport Pensioners’ Federation
head of population, are a matter of public record
and, as we know, do not make good reading if 7
you live outside the south-east, especially when Fail the disabled and lose your franchise 8
qualified by population density. What can you say
to those areas – what we call districts 3, 4, 6, and
7, which make up half our railway – directly
impacted by the lack of a long-term strategy? So
Features
Deputy Mayor Val Shawcross: Labour’s
in the month they announce the end of
production of petrol and diesel cars we commit
to bi-mode trains for an indeterminate future. new strategy for transport in London
10 14
The Northern Powerhouse on rail is no more – Finn Brennan on churn and change at LU 11
Going Underground: Terry Wilkinson,
just minor fixes that only mitigate in certain areas
and do not meet economic, social and 12-13
community needs. Julian Vaughan and Graham Dean
The irony is the announcement of Crossrail 2 Gregor Gall, with a nod to Disraeli, on 14
(which we welcome as part of a greater long-term Theresa May and the two Tory nations
strategy) at the same time which highlights the
contempt this government holds for rail outside Dave Prentis on Unison’s landmark victory 15
the south-east. As I write the big discussion on
Radio 4 is about walking and cycling as the
in court and Chris Nutty on sign language
15
solution for all our transport needs; they have a
role but do not drive the economy like rail. And
does this government have any plans for the
regulars
Branch News and 100 Years of Union
long-term future of freight other than the paths
that may be created, years from now, by HS2? 16-17
21st century society is not the polite respectful Legal: Lorena Webster and Gerard Stilliard 18
Obituaries
place we would all like it to be and the rise of
knife crime and sexual assaults in our industry, 19
with many more unreported, is a major concern. Letters and Classified Advertisements 20-21
Last Word: Books for the summer
These issues are coming to a head in certain areas,
22
especially in Scotland, and we are calling for
additional staff to ensure not only the safety of On Track, Prize Crossword, ASLEF’s 23 23
the travelling public but of those who work on Legal Services and Change of Address
Cover: A London Underground Train at a Station by Anita Van Den Broek
our railway system. It is time for employers to
demonstrate their duty of care.
Finally, let’s nail an industry lie – when
companies try to deflect criticism of their failure
The ASLEF Journal is published every month by:
to recruit enough staff by putting out on CIS that
it’s down to the drivers. It isn’t. It’s the company’s ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN Tel: 020 7324 2400
fault. And if any driver is abused or assaulted
email: journal@aslef.org.uk website: www.aslef.org.uk
because of such company misinformation we will
act in the strongest terms.
EDITOR Mick Whelan l DESIGNER Michael Cronin l PRINTER TU Ink, 5 Wythburn Place, London, W1H 7BU
Yours fraternally ADVERTISING ASLEF Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond on 0207 324 2407
Mick Whelan, general secretary or richmondk@aslef.org.uk l CLASSIFIED ADS journal@aslef.org.uk or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a
display or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of that product or service by ASLEF
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please post your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN
September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 3
News
Commuters – cattle
trucks not carriages
ICK Whelan has put the blame for
M overcrowded commuter trains firmly
where it lies – on privatisation – after
new figures from the Department for
Transport revealed the extent of the problem
on Britain’s railways.
ASLEF’s general secretary said: ‘If we had
cattle trucks instead of carriages then fare-
paying passengers would be much better off!
Because we have legislation – statutory
protection – for animals being transported –
but not for people. Which is why so many QUotE…
The GS with ASLEF freight reps at AAD ‘If 7% of the population goes to
trains are now not just uncomfortable, but
seriously overcrowded. It cannot be right that, passengers to get the seat for which they have private school, then it seems only
after 20 years of privatisation, people paid a lot of money!’ fair that only 7% of Britain’s elite
travelling and working on our railways are Mick added: ‘Privatisation has failed. Fares jobs should go to privately-
treated like this by the privatised train have soared, taxpayer subsidies have risen, educated individuals. This would
companies. rolling stock has got older and overcrowding include chief executives, barristers,
‘These DfT figures underline what we have has got worse. We need – and the people in journalists, judges, medical
said all along – that there is no long-term this country deserve – a properly integrated, professionals and MPs.’ – Ellie Mae
strategy, no long-term planning, and no long- properly managed, publicly owned railway. o’hagan in The Guardian
term thinking, among the TOCs which are only That’s what Jeremy Corbyn has promised and …UnQUotE
in the railway business to make a quick buck. these figures from the DfT prove the point. By
‘The train companies say they need more bringing our railway back into public
time to sort it out but they’ve already had ownership, the Labour Party will put a badly resources across the whole network, rather
more than 20 years, since the railways were fragmented system back together, which will than on a company by company, franchise by
privatised, to provide enough trains for allow better management of capacity and franchise, area by area, basis.’
Stephen cleared – but clouds lour over DOO MBE For tEj
Tejinder Kumar Sharma, a former
The driver whose train written to Ian Prosser, Silverlink/London Overground
pulled away from a chief inspector of driver, who has written several
station, dragging a railways and director critically-acclaimed collections of
woman along the of rail safety at the short stories, was made an MBE
Tej – driven in the Queen’s birthday honours
platform, after the Office of Rail and
to write list for his contribution to Hindi
systems failed, has Road, asking: ‘Given
been found not guilty the jury and the RAIB literature and community cohesion in London.
of endangering A systems failure left Neelan Malik appear to agree this
passenger safety. struggling to free her hand from the train issue relates to a WorK FroM hoME – thAt’S thE
Stephen Murdoch, 45, door as the loco left the station technical problem, are AnSWEr SAYS SoUthEAStErn
was charged with Malik’s hand – in the Transport Police, you considering Southeastern’s credit card size fold-out guide
‘endangering the door. Stephen told perversely, decided to stopping the to ‘changes and closures’ on services into
safety of rail police he carried out prosecute. movement of all units London Bridge, Waterloo East, Charing Cross
passengers, by wilful all the proper checks ‘This case shows which might perform and Cannon Street from Saturday 26 August
omission or neglect, and an investigation that drivers cannot in a similar manner in to Saturday 2 September doesn’t beat about
by failing to check the revealed that the rely on the train door such circumstances the bush. Under ‘top tips for passengers’ it
length of the train was safety lights did not interlocking until such time as a simply advises: ‘Work from home’.
clear’ before leaving work. technology,’ said Mick safe solution to the
Hayes & Harlington But the British Whelan. The GS has problem is found?’ tWEEtS oF thE Month
station in west
London in July 2015. SUpErtrAM dEBtS to LASt For 60 YEArS Pensions are deferred wages. Any attack
The verdict, at on the TfL pension fund would mean the
Mick Whelan has condemned the spiralling cost of the Stagecoach
Blackfriars crown mother of all disputes.
Supertram in Sheffield after the Star newspaper in the city revealed that
court, has clear Finn Brennan
residents in South Yorkshire will be paying for the system, which
implications for the opened in 1995, until 2056.
safety of driver only Chancellor called me hysterical a couple
Mick said: ‘As a trade union, we believe in improving Britain’s
operation in Britain. of months ago. Now it’s the turn of train
infrastructure, and we believe passionately in better transport links
Evidence revealed a drivers.
because we know better transport links are good for people, and good
malfunction on the Mary Creagh
for business. But politicians have to get a grip on the costs and make
warning system in the sure that taxpayers, at national level, and council taxpayers, at local
driver’s cab, which did Emmanuel Macron is a Silicon Valley-
level, aren’t ripped off. ‘It is utterly ridiculous that the Stagecoach
loving, union-hating, Third Way centrist.
not illuminate to show Supertram spiralled four times over budget, and utterly ridiculous that
He’s no bulwark against the far-right.
there was an it is going to take 61 years to pay it off. We need investment – but we
jacobin
obstruction – Neelan need clarity, transparency, and value for money, too.’
4 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017
News
New rail crossing Off the rails
is a bridge too far
ErIC hEFFEr, the left-wing Labour MP
DWARD Fox,
E who starred
in films such
for Liverpool Walton from 1964 until
1991, liked to tell the tale of how, when
he was canvassing in his constituency, he
as The Day of the
went up to one house and saw a large
Jackal, The Shooting
black Labrador in the front garden. ‘I carefully skirted the
Party and A Bridge Too
beast and was welcomed in by a lovely lady who promised
Far, has spoken out
me her vote and offered me a cup of tea. The dog followed
against controversial
us in. As I was served tea and biscuits, the dog went berserk,
plans to replace the
tore up the furniture, and urinated on the sofa. I thought she
rail crossing at his local
should keep the dog under better control but the woman
station – Wareham in
Film star Edward Fox (top) has criticised plans didn’t bat an eyelid. And then, as I left, she said politely,
Dorset – with a new
for the new railway bridge (above) “Aren’t you going to take your dog with you, Mr Heffer?”’
and ‘unsightly’ ramped
railway bridge costing residents have signed actor, who has lived in
pAULInE CAWood, of Leeds branch,
£1.7 million. a petition calling for the hamlet of Steeple
witheringly slapped down Chancellor
The Grade II listed the crossing to be for 30 years, and uses
Philip Hammond when he told the
station is currently retained, saying no the station to travel to
Cabinet that train driving is now so
served by a level one has been London, told a packed
easy ‘even a woman can do it’. Pauline,
crossing controlled by seriously injured in 40 public meeting: ‘The
pictured here with Ruth Kelly, Transport
locked gates and a years and, if the guard proposal would ruin
Secretary for 15 months in Gordon
guard but Network has to go, they would for evermore a
Brown’s government, told The Sun: ‘It’s an old-fashioned,
Rail says the cost of prefer an automated precious corner of
sexist comment. He ought to be ashamed of himself. Women
manning the crossing gate linked to the Dorset and be a
are just as capable as men at driving trains. What’s that man
– £120,000 a year – is signal system at the permanent blot on
been doing for the past 50-odd years? Probably sat in a
prohibitive. crossing. our town’s historic
gentleman’s club smoking cigars and drinking whisky.’
Now 2,200 The 80-year-old station.’
hYWEL BEnnEtt, who excelled at playing
Dave
Fill in your form says it’s
loners and outsiders such as Tom the pimp
in Pennies from Heaven and the scalp
Dave Tyson, trustee fill in their death in time to
hunter Ricki Tarr in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,
director of the service nomination fill in
as well as the loveable loafer Shelley in the
Railways Pension forms and, if possible, that
hit 1980s sitcom, has died at the age of 73.
Scheme, a driver with get them to make a form
He was much in demand for voice over work, with British Rail
Greater Anglia, and will as well! That way employers.railwayspe using his dulcet tones – from originally Garnant, a Welsh
former EC president, they will ensure that nsions.co.uk/Media/D mining village, and then via south London and RADA – to tell
as well as the man what they have goes ocuments/Public/For passengers: ‘We’re getting there.’
who each year to the people they ms/RPS/Nomination
provides a detailed, want to have it.’ Form (PM39).pdf or go jULIA hArtLEY-EVAnS, who presents
but highly intelligible, Members can on the RPS website the morning show on Talk Radio,
report to AAD on our download the form and fill in the form uploaded a photo to her Twitter
pensions, has made a from https:// online. account of this message on a
timely call for whiteboard at her local London
members to fill in their no go LoCo Underground station. Under service
death in service form. Locomore, the crowdfunded open access information, in black marker pen, it
‘I know this is not a operator, has cancelled all services between said: ‘Some days you can see the light at
pleasant request, but Stuttgart and Berlin and begun insolvency the end of the tunnel. Other days it’s a train.’
it is important. Only proceedings. The company, launched as an
half our members fill alternative to the state-owned rail operator nIgEL EVAnS, Conservative MP for Ribble
in a form. So please Deutsche Bahn in 2016, said it hoped to find Valley, didn’t come out until after his mother
get your colleagues to a ‘positive solution for train traffic’. died. ‘You really do have to understand the
struggle of people like myself, growing up in
ConFErEnCES & rALLIES Swansea in the 1960s, where I don’t know
The Burston strike school rally is at Crown Green, Burston, near Diss, whether it was worse to come out as a
Norfolk, on Sunday 3 September. The Trades Union Congress is at the Conservative or come out as gay.’
Brighton Centre from Sunday 10 to Wednesday 13 September. The
Labour Party conference is at the Brighton Centre from Sunday 24 to MEL thorLEY, reflecting on Longsight legend Tony Evers,
Wednesday 27 September. The Scottish Trades Union Congress is at who retired from Virgin West Coast in July, admits, ‘He’s a
the Macdonald Highlands hotel, Aviemore, from Monday 16 to flippin’ sky blue shirt follower, but we forgave everybody
Wednesday 18 April 2018. The Durham Miners’ Gala is on Saturday 14 who kissed the shedplate…’
July. The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ festival, near Dorchester, is from Friday
20 to Sunday 22 July. thor hEYErdAhL, the great Norwegian explorer, when
asked about borders, declared: ‘I have never seen one. But I
500 CLUB: D Weddle, with number 42, won the August draw, scooping have heard they exist in the minds of some people.’
the RMS prize money jackpot of £394.
September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 5
News
for an eight day course on industrial relations.
John, you did You might wonder what he did outside of
representing the Society? Well, he served his
country through national service in the RAF
us proud from August 1949 until September 1951.
John became famous when he stopped the
job at Charing Cross in support of the miners
in 1985; an understanding manager and the
john davies, a former member of
support of the Society saved the day.
ASLEF’s executive committee, died at Hither Green, many years ago, had a
the end of july. LEW AdAMS, general football team that ran out in the sky blue shirts
secretary of ASLEF from 1994 to 1998, of Manchester City. There was speculation as
pays tribute to a union legend to how they came by the strip, and much was
made of the fact that John’s brother-in-law
OHN DAVIES, former Southern was Malcolm Allison, the former West Ham
j Region executive committee
member, passed away peacefully on
centre-half who was, at the time, manager of
Manchester City!
All smiles – John as Southern Region
Saturday 29 July. He served on the national John married Alexia in 1951 and they had
members remember him
executive from January 1985 until he retired in two daughters, Annette and Kim. Sadly, Alexia
1993. AAD in 1973, 1979 and 1984. He was also a died in 1977. John married Ina in 1980 and
John started his railway career at Hither member of sectional council B Southern became father to her daughter. He was very
Green depot in 1947 and, after cleaning and Region from 1977 until elected to the national proud of his family and his three wonderful
firing, was appointed driver in 1958. During his executive in 1985. grandsons.
career John was always active in the Society, During the 1982 flexible rostering strike Ina, and family, we thank you for the
representing ASLEF on Hither Green LDC for John acted as co-ordinator of information support you gave John because, without that,
17 years and holding office as staff side between Southern branches and ASLEF head he could not have done so much for ASLEF.
secretary throughout that period. In addition, office. He also made time to attend education John, the union salutes you. You gave so much
he was branch chair and district council courses at York University and Sheffield to this trade union and for that we are really
delegate for many years and a delegate to University and Ruskin College, Oxford, in 1970 grateful. You did us proud.
Labour Party’s plans to LEVEL CroSSIng
this is the deliver the infrastructure
Britain needs with drIVEr jAILEd
electrification and A farm worker who drove his
modern world expansion across the
whole country, including
Land Rover Discovery onto
Nairns level crossing at
Wales and the South Stretham in Cambridgeshire,
GS Mick Whelan has Western, and parts of West, offers the prospect without contacting the signal
welcomed the Labour the Lake District is yet of building a better box for permission, has been
Party’s pledge to invest another reminder of the Mick condemns the Britain.’ jailed for 10 months. Dimitar
in Britain’s railways after lack of ambition for the Tories’ failure to deliver The Tories Vaclinov, 34, of Ely, pleaded
Theresa May’s Tory future which has beset be on even more announced they were guilty to endangering the
government abandoned the railway since overcrowded trains in 10 halting electrification safety of persons on the
plans to modernise privatisation and years’ time. with a masterclass in railway.
Britain’s railway system – confirms that the ‘The failure of Orwellian doublespeak. His vehicle was immediately
the much-needed and government’s rail policy successive governments The Transport Secretary, struck by a passenger train
long-promised is no more than make do to develop a transport trying desperately to travelling at 70mph, causing
electrification of this and mend. strategy has been a turn a negative into a £100,000 worth of damage to
country’s busy main ‘Bi-mode trains are huge impediment to positive, said passengers the loco. ‘It was extremely
lines. more expensive, less economic growth and would now not have to lucky no one else was injured,’
‘Chris Grayling’s reliable and slower to social mobility which put up with ‘disruptive said Det Sgt Alan Bardsley. ‘But
decision to axe plans to accelerate than electric will only be worsened in electrification works’ and it was extremely traumatic for
fully electrify the trains. Passengers on a post-Brexit Britain. ‘intrusive wires and the train driver and
Midland main line, Great packed trains today will ‘In contrast, the masts’. passengers.’
on thE BEACh
Seven New York City subway stations will proFItIng FroM pUBLIC projECtS QUotE…
partially close until late next year as part of network rail announced ‘sweeping new ‘More than 100 years ago,
a $395 million modernisation programme reforms’ on 31 july to enable ‘third parties’ – Britain’s pioneering
on the BMT beach line. private companies – to become ‘heavily railway network enabled
involved’ in delivering railway infrastructure its national daily
Carry all your projects. At the same time it published a newspapers to reach all
stuff – papers, report commissioned from peter hansford, a parts of the country by
keys, sandwiches civil engineer, called Unlocking Rail breakfast time. It helped to
– in style with our Investment: Building Confidence, Reducing create the legendary
smart black Costs. ‘I am determined to create an power of Fleet Street.’ –
documents bag. Price £10 (inc p&p); environment where innovative third party Colin Morrison on
email info@aslef.org.uk or visit our companies can compete for, and directly Flashes&Flames
online shop at www.aslef.org.uk deliver, railway projects,’ said CEo Mark Carne. …UnQUotE
6 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017
News
Convention; and by having a
Will you still need me close relationship with the Rail
Delivery Group, especially
regarding free and privilege
will you still feed me? travel.
We also work closely with
railway industry trade unions –
A voice for railway pensioners
like ASLEF – to help safeguard our We have 50 branches and more
LES McdoWELL, chair of the wellbeing of railway people in
benefits and pensions. than 13,000 members. You will be
British transport pensioners’ retirement and, over the years, we
Just as important is the welfare warmly welcomed as a member –
Federation, and a former have helped secure many financial
support and advice we offer. We and membership starts at just £3 a
director of EWS, explains benefits for our retirees and their
promote social activities with year – of our federation and your
dependants, as well as
what the BtpF does former colleagues across all our friends and relatives will also be
improvements in their travel
branches, such as day trips by able to enjoy our activities.
facilities.
AM delighted to have river, road and railway, holidays in Any questions? Email us at
We do this through regular
I this opportunity to let
you know a little about
contact with Railway Pensions
Management & Investments, both
the UK and abroad, theatre trips,
dances, lunches, and talks.
answers@btpf.org. To join go to
our website at www.btpf.org.
the British Transport Pensioners’ directly, and through a BTPF
Federation, which was set up in member who is a director on the BAttErY pArK
1948. board of the Railway Pensions QUotE…
Vivarail, the British company
The BTPF provides a voice for Trustee Company, and through ‘Now we know how the
building the D-train, turning
everyone who has retired from BTPF members who are trustees City will be kept open for
old District line Tube trains
our great railway industry. We are of a number of Railways Pension business after Brexit. If a
into modern rolling stock to
one of the few recognised Scheme committees; by lobbying foreign government, in
replace Pacers on short
organisations that works to Parliament through our affiliation this case Saudi Arabia’s
commuter routes, branch
protect and maintain the to the National Pensioners’ royal family, doesn’t like
lines and tourist hops, has
the rules in London, the
received an Accelerating
UK is happy to be flexible.’
Southern Fail top for overcrowding – nils pratley in The
Innovation in Rail grant
from Innovate UK to
Guardian
develop and build battery-
…UnQUotE run trains.
rdg grABS rSg
The Rail Delivery Group – the fox in the railway hen house, and
desperate to try and grow its power base in our industry, especially
when decisions are made about the future of rail – has announced ‘a
new strategic partnership’ with the Rail Supply Group in a bid to create ‘a
one-stop shop’ and ‘encourage growth in the rail industry supply chain’.
dIAgnoStIC tEChnoLogY For FrEIght trAInS
Siemens is to install predictive maintenance technology on DB Cargo
locomotives. A spokesperson said: ‘Rather than be dictated by mileage
or time, maintenance will now be conducted when data shows it is
needed.’
New DfT stats reveal that Southern Rail run five of the ten most
Tea and coffee tastes better in a red and white
overcrowded services in Britain. The TOC’s worst train – the 5.40
ASLEF mug! Price £3.50 (inc p&p); email
from Uckfield to London Bridge – operates at 226% of capacity and
info@aslef.org.uk or visit our online shop at
the second-worst, Southern’s 7.16 from East Grinstead to London
www.aslef.org.uk
Bridge, operates at 195%.
What can you get for
your new, shiny £1 coin?
TBF membership...
just £1 a week covers you, your
partner and dependent children.
0300 333 2000 www.tbf.org.uk
Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901, and Scotland, SC047016.
September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 7
News
Rail firms that fail disabled WESt MIdLAndS FrAnChISE SLIpS
AgAIn AFtEr dFt prEVArICAtES
London Midland has got an extension to
should lose their franchises continue operating its West Midlands services
until at least December 2017. The Department
for Transport should have announced the
winner of the new franchise agreement, due to
ICK WHELAN, general secretary of ASLEF, has backed a call start in October, in July but London Midland
M for train companies to be stripped of their franchises if
they fail to meet standards for making their services
will now hang on to the franchise until the end
of the year, with a possible extension until
accessible for disabled people. February 2018. The DfT said: ‘We want the next
‘Everyone has a right to use our rail network,’ said Mick, ‘and it is operator to deliver real improvements and
probably more important for disabled people to be able to get on provide more space, improved connectivity
and off trains, and in and out of stations, because there are fewer and more frequent journeys. We are currently
realistic alternatives. evaluating the two bids and the winner will be
‘We all know the franchise system isn’t fit for purpose, and that announced in due course.’
privatisation hasn’t delivered what John Major promised it would
more than twenty years ago. nIgEL’S MAKIng pLAnS For YoU
‘But the one thing the train operators fear is losing their licence Mick: TOCs fear District 6 Organiser Dicky Fisher and Nigel
to print money. That’s why I agree with the think tank Bright Blue. If losing their licence Thompson, health & safety rep on Virgin Trains
a rail operator doesn’t deliver, it should lose its franchise.’ to print money at Wolverhampton, have organised a seminar
for D6 reps on Tuesday 3 October to replicate
the successful forums organised in the north-
After Boaty McBoatface it’s Trainy McTrainface west by DO3 Colin Smith and Alan Moss of
Longsight. ‘It will be held at Virgin’s office in
MTR Express has Birmingham,’ said Nigel. ‘Mick Whelan has
named one of its kindly agreed to open the seminar and
new high speed speakers from the Hazards campaign and
trains Trainy Thompson’s solicitors are also booked.’ Details
McTrainface. The from either Dicky (rfisher@aslef.org.uk) or
Swedish operator Nigel (nj_thompson@tiscali.co.uk).
asked passengers
to submit names FrEEdoM rIdErS FoUndEr dIES
for four trains on Dave Gibson, one of the founding fathers of
the Gothenburg to the Freedom Riders in South Yorkshire, the
Stockholm route campaign against cuts in free travel for
and the most pensioners and disabled people, has died.
popular suggestion ‘Dave did so much to build links between our
was Trainy campaign and the trade unions, particularly
McTrainface. It’s not 1 April, says Trainy – most popular name in a Swedish poll Tosh McDonald and ASLEF,’ said George Arthur.
‘He had also been an inspirational secretary of
Barnsley trades council.’
that carried fast-moving
Jailed for obstructing the line trains. As a result, quite
A man has been jailed for off, causing 26 trains to be rightly, National Rail took QUotE…
12 weeks and ordered to pay delayed. Doctors at the view that all railway ‘It is a very unsatisfactory situation
£1,000 compensation after University Hospital in traffic should be stopped. It where you have the Prime Minister
causing chaos on a railway Coventry said his behaviour took two hours for Mr surrounded by people who are just
line by threatening to was the result of drink and Considine to be talked waiting for the moment they decide to
commit suicide. Jamie drugs. down. throw her off the ledge.’ – tony Blair
Considine, 23, of Kenilworth, Judge Andrew Lockhart, ‘The inconvenience was …UnQUotE
sat on Rugby Road railway sitting at Warwick crown considerable and this man
bridge in Leamington for court, said: ‘This offence is so has pleaded guilty to a
two hours, dangling his legs serious that only a custodial serious matter of
over the edge and sentence can be justified. obstructing an engine using A BrAnd nEW FrIEnd
threatening to throw himself That is a busy railway line a railway line.’ London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport
Secretary Chris Grayling have pledged to work
together on Crossrail 2. ‘Crossrail 2 is essential
Corruption on Crossrail for the future prosperity of London and the
south-east,’ said Sadiq, ‘so I’m pleased the
Transport Secretary and I have reached an
Four men have been jailed over corrupt payments made to secure work on the Farringdon agreement to take this vital project forward.’
station redevelopment for Thameslink and Crossrail. Alandale Rail, the contractor, was also
convicted of corruption and fined £25,000. Blackfriars crown court heard how operations director
Kevin McKee and fellow director John Zayya made corrupt payments to Innocent Obiekwe, a Our hip, hot and happening black
senior manager working for Costain/Laing O’Rourke, to get the contract to supply safety critical baseball cap will keep the sun out
staff for the project. They later made payments via William Waring, a director at Qualitas of your eyes. £5 (inc p&p); email
Infrastructure Developments. ‘The scale of the corruption was significant,’ said Justin Yorke of the info@aslef.org.uk or visit our
British Transport Police commercial fraud squad. ‘It was complex, prolonged and meticulously online shop at www.aslef.org.uk
planned and I am pleased we have brought a criminal gang to justice.’
8 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017
The government is trying to take
away your right to free or affordable
legal representation if you’re injured
at work or anywhere else.
Why? They’re prioritising
If government plans go ahead, nearly one million people will lose their right to free legal representation.
Meanwhile it will cost the NHS and the government at least £150 million of your taxes every year
and fat cat insurers will be rewarded with multimillion pound profits.
Visit www.feedingfatcats.co.uk to take action and stop the government #FeedingFatCats.
#FeedingFatCats is a campaign run by Thompsons Solicitors. Thompsons is proud to stand up for the injured and mistreated. @feedingfatcats
Platform
Let me take you by the
hand and lead you through
the streets of London
VAL ShAWCroSS, deputy
Mayor for transport in
London, on the Mayor’s bold
new transport strategy which Val at City Hall; on the
will fundamentally change the way Tube; and with London
Mayor Sadiq Khan and
people move around one of the world’s
his top team by the
busiest and most exciting cities Thames (above)
ODAY about one-third of journeys need support from the government to make
t in London are made by car.
Although that is less than other
major cities in the UK, the density of London,
this happen.
Sadiq understands that transport doesn’t
just impact on our daily lives by helping us get
and the fact that our population continues to around – it also creates new opportunities,
grow rapidly, means we simply cannot afford unlocks housing potential, and shapes the
to continue using our cars at this rate. We whole character of our city. That’s why it’s so
don’t have the space on our roads, we can’t the Metropolitan, District, Circle, and important that we don’t just deliver affordable,
continue to ignore the growing health Hammersmith & City lines; improvements to reliable and accessible transport, but also
problems caused by inactivity, and we must the Jubilee, Northern, and Victoria lines, change the way we look at every aspect of our
tackle the air pollution crisis. It is, therefore, making them among the most frequent transport network.
vital that more people choose to walk, cycle or services in the world; and modernisation of
use public transport – especially rail. the Piccadilly, Central, Bakerloo, and Waterloo InVESt rECord SUMS
That’s why the Mayor of London has set out & City lines with new trains to increase Some parts of London have been planned
a bold new transport strategy that, working capacity and improve reliability. around car use for so long that there are no
with you, will fundamentally change the way decent alternatives for local people. We plan to
people move around our city. It is an WE WILL groW thE nEtWorK change that. We will transform London’s
ambitious 25 year approach that will help We will grow the network by opening the neighbourhoods using the healthy streets
Londoners make more active and sustainable Elizabeth line and expanding the Bakerloo line approach to make them cleaner, safer and
transport choices, reduce congestion, make to Lewisham and beyond, the London quieter. We will invest record sums to improve
efficient use of our streets, and support the Overground to Barking Riverside, and the streets for all, and ensure that new
health and wellbeing of Londoners. Northern line to Battersea. We’ll also be developments are designed around walking,
investing in the tram, DLR and bus network, cycling and public transport. This will help to
At thE hEArt oF oUr pLAnS and working to ensure London’s entire reduce our capital’s car reliance, significantly
It’s a strategy that puts rail – light and heavy, transport system is zero emission by 2050 – as increase the proportion of people walking,
the Underground, and the Overground – at part of the Mayor’s wider ambition to improve cycling and taking public transport, and help
the heart of our plans to increase and improve air quality across the city. Londoners do at least the 20 minutes of active
public transport services, develop more The centre piece of the Mayor’s strategy to travel they need to stay healthy each day.
housing, regenerate the city, and make promote economic growth in London and the I hope that our bold strategy will begin a
London a more attractive and healthy place to south-east in the long term is Crossrail 2. This national shift towards a more progressive,
live. project would support hundreds of thousands environmentally-friendly approach to
The hard work that you put in every single of jobs and homes, and prevent transport policy. We want it to mark the
day across the transport network and your unprecedented overcrowding. It is a line that beginning of a new appreciation of the
drive to offer a passenger-focused, accessible would complement and support High Speed 2 importance of growing and improving our rail
service that will encourage people to move coming to London and must be part of a co- networks and services. And we want the whole
away from their cars, is absolutely vital to ordinated major UK-wide development plan of the UK to see how vital the role of walking,
Londoners and London’s future. As part of this for rail transport infrastructure. cycling and public transport can be in making
new approach, we are committed to giving Rail devolution is also more important than us healthier and improving the places where
you the tools you need to help passengers so ever, as it is vital that we see improved services we live.
you can improve training and take advantage on London’s existing Network Rail track
of innovations to ensure you have the latest infrastructure. Allowing TfL to run the I urge you to read our draft strategy and
real-time information to hand, making more suburban lines is the fastest and most cost- give us your comments. You can access it by
stations fully accessible and bringing 4G effective way to guarantee better transport visiting tfl.gov.uk/mayors-transport-
mobile communications to the Underground. services to vast areas of south London and we strategy
You, more than anyone, know the
VAL SHAWCROSS lives and breathes the capital. She was first elected to the
importance of modernising and improving
our services for passengers so they choose to
London Assembly at the inaugural elections in 2000 and represented Lambeth
use public transport. In the coming years
& Southwark for 16 years. Before that she served on Croydon council from
there will be major investment across the
1994 to 2000. Last year London Mayor Sadiq Khan appointed her Deputy Mayor for
entire Tube network with the completion of
Transport to help him get the capital’s public transport system back on track.
new signalling and more frequent services on
10 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017Underground
When I get to Warwick
Avenue meet me by the
entrance of the Tube
district 8 organiser delivered four years of
FInn BrEnnAn guaranteed pay rises that keep us
reports on a busy ahead of inflation but, as
year dealing with executive committee member
churn and change on London Terry Wilkinson outlines overleaf,
the fight continues to make sure
Underground
all the commitments made on the
work/life balance and personal
NE of the many useful
o pieces of advice I was
given by my predecessor
development are delivered.
Health & safety reps have,
perhaps, the hardest battle
as district organiser, the late Steve
against the impact of ill-thought
Grant, was ‘Remember, Finn, there
through cost cutting but, as
is never a quiet time in ASLEF
successes on issues like access to
District 8.’ Well, that has certainly
cool drinking water show, their
proved to be true!
persistence and determination A tram is not a
On London Underground
still brings results. Branches and IR
increasing passenger demand,
reps have had to deal with a big bus on wheels
line upgrades, and higher service
jump in the number of By far the worst moment of the
levels, including Night Tube, have
disciplinary cases, many of which last 12 months in our district was increase in pressure, public
been combined with huge cuts in
should have been dealt with the terrible tragedy on Tramlink at scrutiny and potential major
government funding. The fares
simply and quickly at local level. Sandilands on 9 November last changes to the way they work
freeze, although a real benefit to
ASLEF trains council reps have year. Seven people lost their lives pushed through with little or no
hard-pressed commuters, means
shown huge commitment and and scores more were seriously consultation.
even less money is available. The
dedication in holding injured. Multiple investigations Recent changes in
result is constant pressure to
management to account. Despite are continuing into the causes of management, including bringing
make cuts to budgets and put off
the pressure put upon them, and the derailment by the RAIB, BTP in senior people with a
spending plans.
attempts to intimidate them, they and TfL. But while the root causes background in rail operations,
The management structure
do not hold back from vigorously have still not been revealed the who understand that a tram in
has also changed dramatically in a
defending our members. driver involved faces the prospect not just a ‘bus on wheels’ are
short time. The role of trains
So, while there will never be a of a criminal trial. welcome, but a serious culture
operational support manager and
quiet time in District 8, neither will As always when such accidents change is needed. Unless
performance manager have
there ever be a quiet union. ASLEF happen a rush to close the stable management start listening to
disappeared. Line general
reps at every level will continue to door means new safety measures drivers instead of imposing
managers and service directors
do whatever we can to defend are introduced. While these may change from above it will be
are being reorganised. Chief
our members and better our be necessary, drivers and their impossible to build trust and
operating officers or their
conditions at work. union reps have seen a huge industrial relations will suffer.
rebranded equivalent seem to
come and go on a more regular
schedule than the Circle line on a
Sunday. So far, I have had a new
Active in ASLEF
one to deal with each year I have Ith so many challenges to deal with,
had this role.
With so much change and
churn at senior level, dealing with
W keeping members informed and
encouraging you to be active in our
union – at branch and district level – has never
staff concerns and trade unions been more important. In july we ran, for the
seems to be very far down the list first time, an Active in ASLEF seminar at head
of management priorities. With office aimed at giving recently-involved
their eyes firmly focused on members the tools they need to understand
spreadsheets – or the prospect of the union’s structure and how to influence
a large redundancy cheque – change.
mundane matters like sticking to the event included a brief history of ASLEF,
agreements and genuinely sessions on the role of equality and learning
consulting on change seem, to reps, writing a branch motion and an AAd item,
some, to be a nuisance. and strengthening local organisation. Ian
Despite this, your ASLEF reps, Finn Brennan (third left) and District 8 activists
goodman of White City kindly helped with an
at local and combine level, on the steps of head office in Clerkenwell
overview of the trials and tribulations of being
continue to battle with some a local rep. knowledge and confidence to take part in their
success to defend and improve Feedback from the participants will be used branch and build the strong and resolute
working conditions for our to develop more seminars and half day courses ASLEF we know we will need to succeed in the
members. Our strikes in 2015 so that as many people as possible have the battles ahead.
September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 11Agenda
Management bulletins,
a memo from Turner
and reality check
If you read the recent management accordingly. Management wanted to do this by
bulletin on the work streams from the moving anyone who applied to the pool. This
current pay deal you could be forgiven for would mean getting duties and rest days on
thinking all is well. here, from tErrY Thursday for the following week, which is totally
unacceptable, and, if required, working at any
WILKInSon, EC member for district 8,
location on the line. On top of this they wanted
and district 8 organiser FInn BrEnnAn, to reduce the working day by 12 minutes,
is an update from the real world… resulting in a loss of annual leave (this would be
six days on the current five day week).
ANAGEMENT have stated that the four Naturally, this wasn’t presented in the occasion, is that any reduction is for the lifetime
M day week trial ends in September. We
believed that if the trial was successful
management bulletin. Instead we were told
about an agreement that would be advertised.
of the deal and, if no agreement is reached,
management can increase weekend working. As
then the opportunity would be given to other The truth is this isn’t a new agreement, it’s a things stand at this moment the first line that
depots to decide if it was something that was current agreement which we had to prove to would be affected is the Central line which has a
wanted at their location. As we have always said management existed. new timetable next year with an enhanced
this would be a depot choice and no individual We believe train operators should have the Sunday service.
would have to move from the current five day right to stay at their own depot and simply apply Train operators voted for more Saturdays,
week rota. to work how many days they wish, knowing Sundays, and weekends off and that’s what we
We met every single Wednesday until exactly what they are doing, well in advance. expect to happen.
recently, to address any management concerns, The bulletin also mentions a slight reduction
and we believed that part of this weekly in Saturdays and Sundays worked. This is true, trAnSFErrIng LICEnCES
meeting was to address any problems but only applies to locations that have Night A presentation has been given on this issue.
highlighted. The facts are that, to date, Tube, which is the reason some Saturdays and Whilst it addressed some points it didn’t address
management have not raised one concern. It Sundays have reduced rather than some kind act the issue of how such a licence could be
should also be noted that the attendance of from management. It also failed to highlight achieved. The presentation was also at odds
individuals on the trial has improved. that, at some of these depots, train operators with what district organisers have told us about
As part of the pay deal it was agreed to were displaced to other lines as a result of Night the transferring process. One of the DOs has
introduce, by 1 July 2017, an opportunity to Tube. arranged a meeting with one of his companies
reduce the days you work and to be paid What also has been stated, on more than one in an attempt to move this issue forward.
in, say, US dollars, then virtually all have.
More bangs for your bucks when the currency is
converted you get more
One other benefit
available to members of the
grAhAM dEAn, chair come on to London example, the most recent pounds for your bucks. pension fund worth
of trains council, Underground, it remains as increase in the funding level Likewise, I doubt many mentioning is the option to
reports on the state of a final salary scheme, and is considered to be because in the trade union make additional voluntary
the pension fund for contribution rates for of two very newsworthy movement would welcome contributions. This is a
members remain at 5% of events. First, the election of the election of President scheme where members
London Underground
pensionable salary. Donald Trump as President Trump but, because he is can choose to invest a
staff In regards to the funding of the United States and, viewed as good for percentage of their salary
OTHING is position, we have made second, the vote on Brexit. business, this has had a into a range of funds to
n guaranteed to get
members’
good progress recently in
closing the funding gap,
Without getting dragged
into a debate on the rights
positive impact on the
markets. This has, in turn,
build up an additional
pension fund on retirement.
attention at branches than which has been as low as and wrongs of leaving the led to an increase in the Without getting into too
a report on the state of the 85% fully funded (in June European Union, it is value of our investments much detail, the obvious
pension fund so, as a 2016) to a position where generally regarded to have which, again, improves the attraction is that the money
trustee of the fund, I we are now 96.6% fully raised the rate of inflation in funding position. As they you invest is tax free which,
thought it would be good funded. This means we are the UK, which is, in broad say, it’s an ill wind that for a higher rate taxpayer,
to give a brief update on on track to be 100% fully terms, generally regarded blows no one any good! has the effect of giving you
where we are in regards to funded at the end of the as a bad thing (although I The other big event has £10 of benefit for every £6
staff on London recovery plan in 2022. know it can be argued the been the welcome news you put in. There are caps
Underground. However, I must offer a other way). that former Tube Lines on what you can put in but I
I am pleased to report word of caution. The Because the TfL pension employees are now able to would recommend
that, currently, it is pretty markets are still very volatile fund is invested mainly join the TfL pension fund members do look into it
much all good news. The and, as they always say, the overseas it has had a and benefit from all the and consider if it is
fund remains open for all value of investments can go positive impact on funding benefits it offers – and it something you would like
staff to join when they down as well as up. For as, when profits are taken would appear that they to do.
12 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017Underground
Service over safety at LU
jULIAn VAUghAn, of trains health &
safety council, reports on a worrying
change of culture on London
Underground
HE Tories’ default position that
t austerity
measures
traction current is
turned off when drivers
have resulted in huge access the track;
cuts to London ensuring LU has
Underground’s adequate procedures
budget and will mean in place when dealing
that, by 2020, London with infrastructure
will be the only major incidents;
European city without improvements to safety
a subsidised transport at the platform train
network. The mixture interface; and raising
of cuts and ever- the profile of dust and
increasing passenger fatigue issues. These
numbers means that subjects – and many
ASLEF health & safety more – have been hard
reps face significant fought for and were
challenges on the not conceded lightly.
ChAnCE oF proMotIon front line in the next The Grenfell Tower
We believed that promotion opportunities on few years. tragedy has
stations were being denied to train operators It can seem that highlighted what can
simply because when the jobs are advertised it h&s reps are fighting a happen when health &
Management often turn a blind eye to
states that you require certain licences to apply. rearguard action and safety is seen as a
overcrowded platforms, poor sightlines, and
We wanted the opportunity for T/Ops to obtain merely holding the ‘burden to business’
poor visibility to keep the service on track
these licences (which could possibly be achieved line against a ‘service rather than as an
by e-learning). However, management told us over safety’ culture essential requirement
disaster for years. The as a shining example of
that licensing was not a factor and it was based that seems prevalent and concerns are
lesson that must be driver only operation in
on interviews and experience, etc. We believed at the current time. ignored as
learned is that the action, we know that
this was a positive way forward, then the trains However, we have scaremongering. One
current culture of this mode of operation
council looked at the requirements for applying had a number of of the most disturbing
cost/benefit analysis has significant issues,
for supervisory positions on stations which successes as ASLEF aspects of the fire was
and safety seen as a particularly in relation
stated you must have certain licences to apply. h&s reps hold LU to that residents and
burden rather than a to obscured views of
This, therefore, proves that our assumptions account. These organisations had been
benefit has to change the PTI. While tier 2 reps
were correct. include ensuring the predicting such a
across all areas of deal with the GAPS
public service including project, which is slowly
Fortune’s always hiding London Underground.
Tier 2 h&s reps deal
with safety matters that
dealing with the
movement of cameras,
drivers can take
ASLEF ShrUggEd, an entertaining, managers (currently undergoing another affect all lines and deal immediate action by
enlightening and rather wry blog about life change with TOSMs and DTSMs being merged with issues that were insisting on assisted
Underground written by a Central line driver, back into one grade) and technical staff but they not resolved locally. We despatch at platforms
and West Ham fan, shut up shop earlier this still need one driver per train. The big change also keep in close where their view of the
year. This was his last valedictory post on will come with the introduction of driverless contact with the ORR platform train interface
18 April: trains but even that will only happen if the T/Ops and raise concerns or is blocked.
agree to it, as was the case when they converted formal complaints as The role of a health
EVEN years ago today I started M1 in Paris. I might get to enjoy the blissful irony appropriate. As well as & safety rep can seem
S blogging so it seems appropriate that I
mark that anniversary by ending it. I’m
of driving a driverless train but it now looks as if
the Bakerloo line will get the new trains before
ensuring that LU
complies with h&s laws
like a war of attrition,
but it is a war we must
all blogged out. I keep thinking I should write we do so I’ll probably miss out on that and their safety continue for the sake of
something, start to write a post and then simply experience. I’ve got 10 years, 8 months and 20 certificate we deal with our members and our
can’t be bothered to finish. It was fun for most of days until I retire, I’m going to dedicate more combine-wide issues passengers. We are
the time but, from now on, I will stick to posting time to looking after Old Mother Shrugged (now such as training and confident that, with the
comments on The Guardian website (mostly on 87), looking after myself, and getting out in hazards faced by support of drivers, and
London and transport issues), occasionally on London a bit more. I’ve got memberships for members (such as dust local h&s reps, we will
the Evening Standard when I can do so without a both the Tate and the National Portrait Gallery and fatigue). continue to hold LU to
feeling of vague disgust, District Dave’s London but haven’t used either in the last six months. Drivers themselves account and achieve
Underground forum and WHU606. I’ve not been to the theatre in over a year while hold a great deal of further successes,
A lot has changed on the Tube with ticket the last film I watched was La La Land! power in dealing with resulting in a safer and
offices closing, station staff undergoing a If you’re ever up by the Lea Bridge Road end safety issues. While healthier working
complete re-organisation and Night Tube, but of Leyton High Road and fancy a drink, pop in London Underground environment for our
my job is relatively the same as it was in 2010. the William IV, there might be an ex-blogging is used by critics of the members and the
They can mess around with station staff, T/Op propping up the bar on his rest day. Southern Rail dispute public.
September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 13Commentary
offers no practical solutions to the
Two Tory
scourge of insecure and low paid
work and is frankly not worth the
paper it is written on’.
After the CBI sunk her proposal
nations of mandatory worker
representatives on the boards of
big companies, it was clear that
by choosing Matthew Taylor, a
grEgor gALL, former adviser to Tony Blair,
professor of nothing significantly progressive
Industrial would come out of the review –
relations at the especially in terms of what the
University of government would do.
Bradford, examines what
happened to theresa May’s dEAd In thE WAtEr
ambition to rediscover one So the notion of meritocracy as
nation Conservatism May’s big idea is as dead in the
water as Cameron’s big society
was by 2011. When it comes to it,
HEN Theresa May made
W her pitch to become
Tory leader and, thus,
Prime Minister in Birmingham last
May is not prepared to challenge
those who would lose out from
creating an economy and society
based upon people’s life chances
summer, she was promising big being determined by their ability,
things. Her key messages were talent and performance.
that work should pay and people Amongst other things, it
should be able to get on in life. Theresa May initially tried to put blue water between her Tory would mean ending student fees
She promised opportunity for all, government and the policies pursued by members of the Bullingdon and re-introducing student grants
‘a country that works for everyone Club including (top) David Cameron (back row, standing, second left) so money is no object to getting a
– not just the privileged few’. and Boris Johnson (front row, sitting, on far right) and (above) degree; it would mean banning
Britain, under her, would become (1) George Osborne and (5) Jo Johnson unpaid internships which only
a meritocracy. This was a pitch middle-class kids can now afford
from a state school-educated need to be sure of your ideas as prepared to use state to take; it would mean ending pay
Conservative against the well as having, to use a now intervention to right the wrongs inequality based on gender;
privately-educated Bullingdon common phrase, all your ducks in of the market or the class system ending inherited wealth; and
Club (past members of which a row. under which we live. This is giving workers a say in how they
include Boris Johnson, David because such state intervention are treated at work. There would
Cameron and George Osborne) StorM thE BArrICAdES could work and would favour the be many winners from this – but
ruling elite. Because the establishment and many, not the few. also quite a few losers, too.
But, like Tony Blair, Gordon ruling class have material interests The recent Taylor review of One way or another, Theresa
Brown and Cameron before her, to defend and will use their modern working practices, Good May has shown that attending
the dream of a new promised financial, ideological and Work, is a case in point. Mick Oxford University and working for
land with equality of opportunity organisational power to see off Whelan, ASLEF’s general the Bank of England has instilled
(if not equality of outcome) has any challenges. Don’t get me secretary, struck the right in her a respect for the powers
died a death. And, in May’s case, wrong – I’m not trying to paint response when he said: ‘For Mr that be in Britain. Her vision of
much, much quicker than her May as a radical, let alone a Taylor to say work should be fair one nation Toryism has been bent
predecessors. revolutionary, preparing to storm is a statement of the obvious. to shape around them and not
the barricades of privilege. Unfortunately, Mr Taylor’s report the other way around.
CrAShEd And BUrnEd But if you look at all the key
So why has May’s dream of a elements of her leadership pitch,
‘Say what you like, our Queen reigns over
meritocracy crashed and burned she has either backed down or
so quickly? Could it be that her not moved forward with them.
the greatest nation that ever existed.’
inadequacies as a leader have The kinder and more forgiving
‘Which nation?’ asked the younger stranger,
been her undoing? Could it be might say she’s had to deal with
‘for she reigns over two.’
that she didn’t mean what she making sure ‘Brexit means Brexit’
The stranger paused; Egremont was silent,
said? Could it be that, since and the self-induced hari-kari of
but looked inquiringly.
becoming Prime Minister, she has calling that ill-fated general
‘Yes,’ resumed the younger stranger after a moment’s
changed her mind? Could it be election.
interval. ‘Two nations; between whom there is no
that she did not get enough But the underlying reason is
intercourse and no sympathy; who are as ignorant of each
support in the Conservative Party that she has met opposition from
other’s habits, thoughts, and feelings, as if they were
to make her vision a reality? powerful vested interests who
dwellers in different zones, or inhabitants of different
It could be any or all of these made it clear to her that she can
planets; who are formed by a different breeding, are fed by
things because what underlies continue to spout those ideas – if
a different food, are ordered by different manners, and are
them is the system of social she wishes – so long as she does
not governed by the same laws.’
classes at the heart of how the not use the levers of the state to
‘You speak of – ’ said Egremont, hesitatingly.
British economy, polity, and pursue them.
‘The rich and the poor.’
society operate. If you are to Hence, when she calls upon
– Benjamin disraeli, Sybil, or the Two Nations
challenge the establishment, and business groups to do x or y, that
confront the ruling class, you is all she is doing. She is not
14 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017You can also read
