ASLEFJOURNAL - Part of the union: Brian Corbett, Nigel Cummins, Ian Smith, and Graham Turner
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ASLEF JOURNAL
The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen
JANUARY 2021
Free to members
Part of the union:
Brian Corbett,
Nigel Cummins,
Ian Smith, and
Graham Turner
The train drivers’
union since 1880
railway enginemen’s tax free saver plans
tax free savings plans
for anyone who
works on the railways...
we don’t mean just train drivers..!
tax free policies from 70p per day, £5 per week
and £20 per month
for further information call us on freephone 0800 328 9140
visit our website at www.enginemens.co.uk
or write to us at Railway Enginemen's Assurance Society Limited,
727 Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham, B8 2LE
@RailwayEnginemens
Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992
ASLEF JOURNAL
The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen
GS Mick Whelan
This is a chance to
change our railway
‘I wish you a Happy
and rebuild Britain Christmas and a safer,
and better, New Year’
HIS is the time of year when, normally, we look forward with
T hope and renewed optimism and, with the announcement of a
coronavirus vaccine, and its roll out, there is a real possibility
of a return to relative normality, which should hearten everyone.
This will take many months to distribute and, given the complexity
Ian Smith at AAD at Aviemore in the Highlands in 2016 of the task, and the reticence of many who wish to see its efficacy, and
possible downsides, may not be as quick as many of us would like.
News
l Government slashes spending on the railway
Therefore, we will be under restrictive tiers, distancing, and
4
associated mask requirements for a long time and must be resolute in
l Ker-ching! Cash for cabinet pals plus Off the 5 maintaining workplace arrangements for everyone’s protection.
Rails: Eric Hall; Patti Smith; Jeremy Warner;
Sasha Swire; and Bernard Donoughue As I write this column, in time for the Journal to be printed, bagged,
l Lucy D’Orsi fits The Bill for the BTP
and put in the post in time to drop on your doormat before Christmas,
6
a decision on the Noel Edmonds’ type of Deal or No Deal Brexit
l Rail Ombudsman’s plea to railway operators 7 continues but, from conversations I am having with many people
l Clapping workers doesn’t help pay the bills 8 inside and outside our industry, we are ill-prepared for either
scenario, logistically, and many businesses are fearful.
Features We remain confident that footfall will return, albeit slowly, but the
l Andy Hudd pays tribute to Brian Corbett 9 restructuring of fares is key to encouraging an industry that has
l In the Strummertime: Gregor Gall listens closely 10 struggled with capacity and we think this should be seen as an
to the music, lyrics, and politics of The Clash opportunity for change. To kick-start the economy we will need a
l David Mathieson reflects on why – and how – as 11 proper decarbonisation programme, with electrification at its core,
John Kampfner argues, The Germans Do it Better the mass building of houses, and major infrastructure projects, to
l As DO7 Brian Corbett retires we look back on 12-13 create jobs, stimulate the supply chain, and secure the future, not just
his life and career as an Iron on the iron road for our children and grandchildren but for generations beyond.
l Ian Smith talks about the route from a boil in the 14
The world is not going to be able to step back from the green
bag driver to ASLEF trustee and life member agenda, and the impact of climate change, so let us embrace the
l Railfuture slams Rishi; and Sorry Seems to Be
opportunity and put in place a vertically-integrated, publicly-
15
the Hardest Word for Priti Pretty Vacant Patel accountable, safe transport system of which we can all be proud.
May I put on record what a privilege it has been to see how you
Regulars have reacted to, and delivered for, the country at this most difficult of
l Branch Lines 16 times, as key workers and as part of the wider railway family. The
l Mick Berg and Martin Dye pay tribute to SWR 17
supporting structures and immense behind the scenes work done by
company council rep Nigel Cummins the staff, executive committee, and officers needs to be recognised
l Obituaries
and applauded. Ultimately, ASLEF’s local representatives, company
18-19
councils, health and safety reps, and branch secretaries are those who
l Letters and Classified Advertisements 20-21 have been on the frontline of members’ needs. They have been
l Chris Proctor, a wielder of words, has the Last 22 immense and deserve all our thanks and approbation.
Word on those we use, misuse, and overuse Trade unions are about people looking after each other and
l Griff Rhys Jones takes a Slow Train Through 23 understanding the needs of all those in our collective community. We
Africa; Prize Crossword; Legal Services; discuss, debate, and argue but, ultimately, we come together for a
and members’ Change of Address form greater good. There is no union without you, our members, so may I
l Cover photograph: Nigel Goldsmith take this seasonal opportunity to thank you and your families, who
EDItoR Mick Whelan, general secretary l DESIgNER Michael Cronin
have to live around the demands of a shift-based, 24 hours a day,
PRINtER College Hill Press, London, SW19 4HE l ADvERtISINg ASLEF seven day working week industry, a Happy Xmas and a safer, and
Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond
on 020 7324 2407 or richmondk@aslef.org.uk l ClASSIFIED ADS
better, New Year.
journal@aslef.org.uk or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a display
or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of Yours fraternally,
that product or service by ASLEF CHANgE oF ADDRESS Please post
your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN
The ASLEF Journal is published every month by:
ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN
Tel: 020 7324 2400 l email: journal@aslef.org.uk Mick Whelan, general secretary, ASLEF
website: www.aslef.org.uk l twitter: @ASLEFUnion
January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 3
News
Harris now says that budget will only be
Government slashes £9.4 billion.
‘So what’s happened to the missing
spending on UK rail money? And why has it suddenly been
slashed? How is Britain to be rebuilt after
SLEF has called on the Conservative Brexit, and after the pandemic, which has
A government to come clean about its
plans to rebuild Britain after it was
ravaged this country’s economy? And what
has happened to this government’s promises
revealed that it has slyly slashed £1 billion about investment?
from its infrastructure budget. Mick Whelan: ‘this puts a question mark over ‘This revelation puts a question mark over
Mick Whelan, general secretary, said: ‘We rebuilding Britain after the pandemic’ not only some long-planned, and much-
have learned that the government has cut needed, improvements to our transport
£1 billion from the rail infrastructure budget government’s “levelling up” agenda. infrastructure, but to the whole question of
following the Chancellor’s spending review. Network Rail’s enhancement budget for the rebuilding this country after the pandemic.
Rishi Sunak promised record infrastructure five year period from 2019-24 was set at It’s time for the government to come clean
investment as part of what he called the £10.4 billion. But Rail Minister Chris Heaton- and tell us what they mean to do.’
Yorkshire Post, rang to FARRINGDON (ALMOST) FINISHED
ASLEF in action apologise and put
things right in his
Construction work by Bam, Ferrovial, and Kier
at Farringdon’s Elizabeth line station, just a few
We moved quickly to times the speed limit newspaper, the sister hundred yards from ASLEF’s head office in St
put the record when the incident paper the Yorkshire John Street, Clerkenwell, was completed in
straight in the wake happened,’ said DO4 Evening Post, and the early December. It will be handed over to TfL in
of a report by the Nick Whitehead. Leeds Live website. March. Custom House was the first Crossrail
Rail Accident ‘This was simply GS Mick Whelan station to be finished, earlier last year, and
Investigation Branch not true. The Azuma said: ‘When we make Paddington is slated to be next.
into a collision was travelling at a mistake, or when
between an LNER 15mph, the one of our members FLORENCE IS THE MACHINE
Azuma and an HST maximum permitted makes a mistake, we The first two 17 metre long tunnel boring
going on to Neville speed on the Nicky Whitehead set always put our hands machines – built by Herrenknecht in Germany
Hill depot near Leeds. approach line to the record straight up. But when a driver and named Cecilia and Florence – to be used
‘It was widely Neville Hill, where the is blamed for in the construction of the HS2 railway line were
reported, especially accident happened, After strenuous something that he or delivered just before Christmas to dig the 10
in local media, that and this was made lobbying by ASLEF, she did not do, we mile long tunnels in the Chilterns.
the Azuma was clear in the RAIB James Mitchinson, have to point that
travelling at three report.’ the editor of the out.’ NETWORK RAIL PLEDGE TAKES ROOT
Network Rail and the Tree Council are planting
80,000 trees and hedgerows this winter as part
Freight’s still great QUOTE…
of a three-year, £1 million, green scheme to
make up for all the trackside trees felled to
‘Sir Graham Brady (Conservative, keep services running.
ASlEF’s annual
Altrincham), chair of the 1922
freight forum took
committee, treats Boris Johnson like a
place – by Zoom –
on thursday 3
troublesome member of the lower TWEETS OF THE MONTH
sixth’ – Quentin Letts, The Times
December with AgS
…UNQUOTE Yes, we are a great country, but here
Simon Weller in the
chair and Maggie below is the toxic Brexiteer delusion
Simpson, director holding us back, this notion that we alone
are the 1%, the providers, the peak of
general of the Rail
Freight group, as Maggie Zooms in
Now is the winter civilisation, and the world owes us a living.
our guest speaker. Dr Mike Galsworthy @mikegalsworthy
Members from
all freight
practical solutions.
Maggie talked
of our discontent The British are 1% of the world’s
companies about the state of Passengers face chilly population. But 2 billion people speak
attended; company freight, saying the train journeys this covid our language while billions more live under
councillors offered picture is looking winter as train our democratic legacy, benefit from
an update on cross- up, with goods companies open antibiotics, phones, TVs, the internet, and
industry issues, coming back into windows to prevent the all our other inventions, and are protected
such as the FoCs’ the country, and spread of the by our military. But, yeah, whatevs…
Cold war’s Ali C Julia Hartley-Brewer @JuliaHB1
savage attacks on underlining how coronavirus. TOCs are
our pensions, and HS2 will free up trying to reassure commuters that rail
there was a pathways for travel is safe after losing 400 million I’ll say again, with some experience of
discussion about freight. passenger journeys during Boris adversarial negotiations, that the UK
diversity and the gS Mick Whelan Johnson’s lockdown. Ali Chegini, of the is making an absolute dog’s breakfast of
problem of discussed the Rail Safety & Standards Board, said: ‘Even Brexit. You don’t win by waving your dick
companies talking coming challenges though it’s cold, even though you have to about, or by banging your first on the table
the talk but not we have to confront. wrap up and put on woolly socks, it’s (contrary to popular belief).
walking the walk by Jen Thornton, better to keep windows open than to be @SimonWeller
developing policy researcher exposed to the risk of infection.’
4 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021
News
And the money off the Rails
keeps rolling in ERIC HALL, who died at the end of last
year, was a record plugger turned
ORY MPs are of friends as it saved Kate Bingham
T demanding
that Boris
all the hassle of
having to put them
football agent who, in his pomp,
according to one observer, ‘looks like
Bob Hoskins, talks like Alf Garnett, and
Johnson ‘ups his out to public tender.
hustles like Arthur Daley on speed’. The first transfer he
game’ as we go into Much like appointing
negotiated was Paul Walsh from Luton Town to Liverpool. ‘I
the New Year. They Kate Bingham and
had no idea what to ask for,’ recalled Hall, who cheerfully
are fed up that, in the Typhoid Dido, both
confessed he knew nothing about football. ‘So when they
House of Commons, wives of Tory MPs, to
asked me what we wanted I said you tell me. They came up
and especially at key roles had
with a figure and I trebled it. I was taking the piss. But then
Prime Minister’s speeded up the
Dido Harding I’d done deals for Rod Stewart and Elton John.’ It didn’t
Questions, he keeps recruitment process.
always go smoothly, though. Eric was thrilled to tell Dave
getting ‘bested and Why bother to under a day. Just a Beasant, after negotiating his move from Wimbledon to
beasted’ by Keir interview someone quick, no frills, 30 Newcastle United, how he’d negotiated a ‘monster, monster’
Starmer. you’ve already second government £100,000 bonus if he scored ten goals. ‘That’s great, Eric,’
Take, for example, spoken to over information film said the big man dryly. ‘But I’m a goalkeeper.’
what happened dinner?’ recorded on a mobile
when Keir wondered Because, the PM phone and broadcast PATTI SMITH, poet, punk, activist – and,
why Help for Heroes muttered, the money on all channels she points out, ‘born the same year as
got just £6 million had been well spent asking for volunteers President Trump, some of us wanted to
from the Treasury as otherwise the to take part in change the world, some to reap profit
when the drugs companies vaccine trials would from it’ – is enduring rather than
government has would never have probably have enjoying the pandemic. ‘The only
handed out £670,000 persuaded anyone to hoovered up at least people who call on my landline now are
in PR contracts to the participate in their 100,000 willing those recorded voices telling me my auto insurance is
vaccine task force trials. applicants.’ expiring. I’ve never had a car and I don’t know how to drive,
and a staggering ‘It didn’t appear Yes, but this but still they call three times a day, which is nice.’
£130 million to other to have occurred to cabinet likes to keep
PR firms in the last him that this was a helping its loyal – if JEREMY WARNER, assistant editor of the
12 months. job most interns talentless – friends. Daily Telegraph, is worried that the
‘Lockdown’ could have done in Ker-ching! Chancellor – rarely, if ever, characterised as
Johnson feigned
a left-wing radical – is planning a ‘tax raid
surprise that anyone
on capital gains’ to pay for covid. Warner
should question his –
QUOTE… insists ‘we can’t balance the books by taxing
or the government’s
‘Never again can we let our care the wealthy’ even though, he concedes,
– integrity. As John
workers be so undervalued and they ‘could afford to pay more without much adjustment to
Crace dryly observed
underpaid.’ – Angela Rayner, Labour their lifestyles’. But he has a better idea. ‘Everyone pays VAT
in The Guardian,
Party deputy leader and other sales taxes, however poor they are’. Er, yes. Warner
‘Obviously it made
…UNQUOTE – one of those über-right reptiles David Cameron had in
sense to award
mind when he talked of the ‘swivel-eyed loons’ on the
contracts to friends
fringes of the Tory Party – thinks the poor, not the rich,
should pay to rebuild Britain. Way to go, Warnie!
Hand of SASHA SWIRE in Diary of an MP’s Wife
who? (Little Brown, £20) recalls, as we head
after Brexit not for the sunny uplands,
tributes to Diego but uncharted, and distinctly choppy,
Maradona, at least waters that when she tried to extract
in England, dwelt gossip at a dinner from Ed Llewellyn,
less on his football David Cameron’s chief of staff, he started
genius and more on telling her about the EU negotiations. ‘No, no,’ she
his ‘Hand of god’ interrupted. ‘I mean, who’s shagging who?’
goal for Argentina
against England in BERNARD DONOUGHUE, head of the
the 1986 World Cup. Number 10 policy unit when ‘Sunny’ Jim
one fact kept Callaghan was in power, is quoted in a
getting overlooked, new collection of essays James Callaghan:
though. An Underrated Prime Minister? (Biteback,
Maradona, all 5ft ball with Peter to use his hands. So £25) dryly reflecting on the winter of
5in of him, was Shilton, 6ft, a why did Shilts not discontent after which Labour lost the
competing for the goalkeeper allowed get that ball? 1979 election. ‘The public sector unions
put Thatcher into Downing Street and she then proceeded
to thank them in her own individual way.’
500 CLUB: Richard Hutchins, with number 026, won the December
draw, scooping the Retired Members’ Section jackpot of £486.
January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 5
News
pressure over national covid-19, and the
Lucy fits The Bill dealing with
legitimate protest
infrastructure,
during these
need for ever closer
working between
during that trip. uncertain times.’ the BTP and train
UCY D’Orsi retires in February. She said: ‘I am Ron Barclay- operators, we feel
L is the new
Chief
Lucy joined the
Met in 1992. In her
excited to lead a
force that deals with
Smith, chair of the
BTP Authority, said:
that Lucy’s strong
blend of experience
Constable of the last job she was the unique nature of ‘Lucy will bring and aptitude
British Transport responsible for policing Britain’s rail, valuable skills and position her well to
lucy D’orsi at the BtP
Police. Lucy, 51, who royalty, Underground and insightful leadership lead the BTP.’
was Deputy Parliamentary, and and preparedness. tram network, at a time when there Her appointment
Assistant diplomatic She was criticised for working with is an uncertain was approved by
Commissioner for protection, and was the heavy-handed industry partners, future for Britain’s Grant Shapps,
Specialist counter-terrorism policing of the visit and government, to rail landscape. With Secretary of State for
Operations in the policing’s senior to London by China’s keep passengers the changing nature Transport, and
Metropolitan Police, national co- President Xi Jinping safe, the railway of crime, and endorsed by Scottish
replaces Paul ordinator for in 2015, and for moving, and to demand on the Justice Minister
Crowther, who protective security bowing to political protect our critical railway following Humza Yousaf.
PM must save this service QUOTE…
ASLEF has called on the pandemic. ‘When he was Mayor of London, Boris Johnson refused to even
the government to ‘The cross- pick up the phone with my union comrades and instead
intervene to prevent Channel link has resorted to megaphone diplomacy in the papers. It seems
Eurostar going to the never been more nothing has changed. This Tory government should be
wall. The move came important. So the levelling up the north, rather than levelling down London.’ –
after the company government must Sam Tarry, Labour MP for Ilford South
admitted it is not turn its back on …UNQUOTE
‘fighting for survival’. them now. Eurostar is
GS Mick Whelan Mick Whelan: ‘the a strong company
said: ‘Boris Johnson, government must with a strong future.
Grant Shapps, and
the rest of the Tory
not turn its back’ But it is suffering, as
all the train
Pacers to the scrapyard
cabinet must act to women who make companies are
save this service – for up the train crew, suffering, not
passengers, for the together with all the because of anything
men and women other staff who keep it has done wrong,
who work on our railways running, but because of the
Eurostar, and for have been pandemic. That’s why
Britain as we leave instrumental in the government
the European Union. moving passengers needs to act to save
‘Train drivers, and and freight around the jobs and save the
the other men and this country during service.’
Back in the fold goodbye and good riddance to the little-loved idea of buses on rails
Northern ran its final Pacer DMU passenger service on Friday 27
ASLEF welcomed the constituency, to the
November when unit 142 004, coupled to 150 225, left Kirkby at 15.36
decision by the NEC party, and to the
and arrived at Manchester Victoria at 17.46. It brought to an end more
to readmit Jeremy labour movement.
than 35 years of Pacers – loathed by drivers and passengers alike – in
Corbyn as a member ‘But we are
northern England after a temporary reprieve to provide extra capacity
of the Labour Party, disappointed that he
during the covid-19 crisis. In total, 96 Class 142 units were built between
but is disappointed will not be able to sit Mick: ‘No infighting’ 1985 and 1987, of which Northern took 79.
that the Labour whip, as a Labour MP in the
‘We believe it is ‘Pacers kept millions of northerners on the move, but it is time to
in Parliament, is still House of Commons
vital that we move give them a well-earned rest’, said Northern’s regional director Chris
withdrawn. as the whip is still
forward, as a Labour Jackson. ‘But a few units will be retained for driver training and route
‘We are delighted withdrawn.
Party and a labour learning.’ You have been warned!
with the decision, ‘Jeremy has called
which is the right for the movement, together.
decision, to readmit recommendations of We need to look to ALSTOM SNAPS UP BOMBARDIER
Jeremy,’ said Mick the Equality and the future, and come Alstom expects to complete its takeover of Bombardier
Whelan. ‘He has been Human Rights together, to take on transportation on Friday 29 January. All necessary regulatory
a member of the Commission to be the Tories and rebuild approvals have been received, says the company.
Labour Party all his implemented so that Britain after the
adult life, and made anti-Semitism is ravages of the CLAIRE IS THE MANN
an enormous rooted out once and pandemic. We do not Claire Mann, who has worked at the DlR, AtW, FgW, tfl, and
contribution to his for all. And that is want – or need – london overground, is the new managing director of the South
Islington North right. factional infighting.’ Western Railway. She starts this month.
6 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021
News
Ombudsman’s plea to TOCs compromised to the
detriment of
passengers.’
The Rail Ombudsman has called on or partial remedy, can be very Decisions by the
train operators to do more to ensure with those awarded a disruptive – which is Ombudsman –
that passengers are aware of the financial settlement why passengers established in
as part of the should know that November 2018 after
scheme – put in place in 2018 – to
Ombudsman’s ruling there is a free and a campaign by the
investigate unresolved disputes with Kevin grix has called
consumer group
receiving, on average, independent Rail
fare-paying passengers. on train companies
£126. Ombudsman for Which? – are legally
to shape up in 2021
‘Railways are an them to complain to. binding. Previously, if
LMOST the end of last year essential part of daily ‘We know there is call on the rail a passenger’s
A 1 million
complaints
reveal that the TOCs
failed to resolve 6,500
life for millions of
people and the cost
more to be done to
increase the impact
industry to improve
their signposting to
complaint was not
resolved, the only
have been made to complaints which of travel is not and reach of the the Rail Ombudsman. option was to go to
the privatised train were then escalated inconsequential,’ said Ombudsman. Cases Without action, the court – which can be
operating companies to the Ombudsman. Chief Ombudsman brought to us are Ombudsman’s very costly – to get a
in the last two years. Three-quarters of Kevin Grix. ‘When lower than expected impact and influence judgement binding
Figures released at them received a full things go wrong it and, therefore, we could be on the operator.
HEATON-HARRIS PLEDGES TO DO MORE
RIA slams Tories Chris Heaton-Harris, the Rail Minister, has
promised to find an innovative approach to
The Railway Industry Association, a trade
tackle suicides on the railway. ‘For the majority
body for supply firms, has criticised the
of us,’ he said, ‘it is almost impossible to
government for not properly considering
comprehend the mental anguish that leads
‘the long-term importance of the rail
people to attempt to take their own lives. We
network’.
all have a part to play, and I am personally
Darren Caplan, chief executive, said:
committed to doing whatever I can to ensure
‘Rail is a long-term game – investments in
the railway does more to help those in crisis.’
infrastructure or rolling stock create
continuing value for passengers, and the
wider economy, over years. Darren wants the government to invest in rail
DEUTSCHE BAHN TO PUT HYDROGEN
‘The reduction in passenger numbers is LOCO INTO SERVICE BY 2024
likely to be temporary – based on previous ‘Investment can support the whole of Deutsche Bahn will launch a hydrogen train,
economic slumps in the 1980s, 1990s, and the UK – the rail network touches almost built by Siemens, and an accompanying gas
post-2008 – as passenger numbers have every part of the country and has the station, which ‘will be as quick to refuel as a
always recovered. potential to unlock a new generation of diesel train’, by 2024 in a move designed to cut
‘Rail is not just for passengers – it is talent. Investment has a knock-on 330 tons of carbon emissions each year. It will
vital for freight, with more than 4 billion economic impact – for every £1 spent on have a top speed of 160 km/h.
tonnes delivered annually before the the rail network, £2.20 value is delivered
coronavirus crisis. in the wider economy.
‘Rail travel is clean and safe – a study ‘Rail cannot easily be mothballed – QUOTE…
undertaken by the RSSB in August reports once infrastructure is decommissioned, it ‘Warm words and applause don’t pay
the risk of infection per passenger journey is not easily reopened. Investment cannot the bills. Key workers deserve a pay rise’
as 1-in-11,000 journeys. And rail can lead wait – much of the rail spending planned – Paul Nowak, deputy general
the green recovery – it is not possible to cannot be postponed, in order to meet our secretary, TUC
meet zero carbon goals for transport decarbonisation and digitalisation …UNQUOTE
without rail. targets.’
Watch The Big Meeting half-price
I’m the producer of The Big Meeting film, about the
Durham Miners’ Gala. Many ASLEF branches were very
generous and donated money to help get the film made
– so much so we have the ASLEF logo in the final credits
of the film. As a thank you, we’d like to offer your
readers 50% off the film on DVD. The DVD is normally
£10 but we are offering it to ASLEF members for £5
(plus 75p p&p). Just go to www.galafilm.co.uk/aslef and
enter the password ASLEF2020 to buy the DVD.
Christie Allanson
January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 7
News
Clapping doesn’t pay the bills
S Mick Whelan spoke at a virtual Rally national secretary of the GMB; Ian Woodland,
G for Fair Pay on Monday 23 November
organised by Labour Unions, the
national officer of Unite; and Sian Elliot, policy
officer of the TUC.
collective voice of the 12 trade unions – ASLEF, ‘In March, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak,
the Bakers, Food & Allied Workers; Community; promised to end low pay,’ said Mick. ‘For those
the CWU; FBU; GMB; Musicians’ Union; NUM; on furlough, the minimum wage isn’t even a An online flyer for the fair pay virtual event
TSSA; Unison; Unite; and USDAW – affiliated to minimum – it’s 80% pay, with 100% of the better, more equal, society after the pandemic
the Labour Party. housing costs, bills and food shops. Poverty where every worker has job security, safe
Mick, who is chair of Labour Unions, was pay has to end – that’s why we’re calling for a working conditions, a strong collective voice
joined on the virtual platform by Paula Barker, real living wage of at least £10 per hour now. and fair pay.’
MP for Liverpool Wavertree, and sponsor of ‘Too many key workers, who have put Helen Pearce, director of Labour Unions,
the National Minimum Wage Bill; Labour themselves in harm’s way to keep our country added: ‘Claps don’t pay the bills. We want a real
deputy leader Angela Rayner; Shadow safe, have long been badly underpaid and living wage now, and a proper pay rise for our
Chancellor Anneliese Dodds; Rehana Azam, undervalued. Together, we need to rebuild a key worker heroes.’
Network Rail slammed for Pale green
extreme weather failures ASLEF slammed the Prime
Minister’s ‘half-baked’
Network Rail has been fined of Railways, said: ‘We welcome Green Plan announced at
£10,000 by Lanark sheriff’s court this outcome. Our investigation the end of November.
after an investigation by the Office revealed that Network Rail staff Mick Whelan said: ‘A
lamington viaduct back on track
of Rail and Road found that NR has were unaware that they held Green Plan that doesn’t
allowed trains to travel at more safety-critical duties under NR’s water, yet, despite this being a has specific plans for rail,
than 100mph over the badly processes to manage known issue, severe damage went which is the greenest form
storm damaged Lamington infrastructure during extreme unrecognised because NR failed of mass transport, has
viaduct in South Lanarkshire. The weather. to implement its own procedures zero credibility. We need
line was eventually closed for ‘The viaduct was on NR’s list of which would have meant no to move more people, and
seven weeks for major repairs. high-risk structures, vulnerable to passenger trains should have more goods, off Britain’s
Ian Prosser, HM Chief Inspector being washed away by moving passed over the viaduct.’ roads and onto electrified
rail to have any chance of
hitting our CO2 targets. It
SHINE COMES OFF SUNAK
really is that simple.
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
admitted in his spending review to Parliament
on Wednesday 25 November that the UK
Train aces high ‘The half-baked
proposals the Prime
A new edition of Top Trumps – the popular Minister announced are
economy contracted by 11.3% in 2020, the
playground game first played in 1978, would typical Boris – all thud and
largest fall for more than 300 years;
you believe? – was launched for Christmas blunder, all bluster, but no
unemployment is expected to reach 7.5% by
featuring 30 different trains (amazon.co.uk, substance. And the
the spring, with 2.6 million people out of work;
£4.99). Stat cats include debut year, speed, government’s
and borrowing is forecast to hit £394 billion,
range, fame and, of course, Top Trumps announcements on
the highest ever in peace time.
ratings. Just the job for the building more roads, and
mess room… giving the green light to
FREE TRAVEL EXTENDED FOR VICTIMS longer and heavier lorries,
A scheme offering free rail travel to women, undermine his attempt to
children, and men fleeing from domestic cast himself as a greener
abuse has been extended until the end of shade of true blue Tory.
March. The Rail to Refuge project, a joint This is not what Britain
initiative with the charity Women’s Aid, is to needs to create a modern
continue after a surge in appeals for help green economy in the
during the coronavirus crisis. 21st century.’
Shuffle the pack to find tube trains, the german
inter-city express, and the Beijing-Shanghai line
DIGITAL FUTURE
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has DON’T PICK UP THAT PHONE
announced £1.2 million of new funding for It will be illegal to pick up and use
feasibility work for digital signalling on your mobile phone while driving,
sections of the West Coast main line, Midland QUOTE… under new legislation to be
main line, and East Anglia route, including ‘Tory MPs are scurrying to their feeds to proclaim enacted later this year. The
Peterborough to Kings Lynn. He said: ‘We’ve Priti Patel as “strong”. Wrong! There is nothing change will end a loophole that
come a long way since the era of metal levers, strong about a bully. A bully is someone too weak allows car and lorry drivers to
used by Victorian signallers to provide safe to confront their own shit, so takes it out on others.’ escape punishment for using a
passage for trains rolling into and out of – Sue Perkins, actor, writer, broadcaster, and, hand-held phone to take a photo
stations. Now it’s our turn to be modern she says, ‘mutton dressed as mutton’ or play a game. Drivers will still be
transport pioneers as we build the railway …UNQUOTE able to use hands-free devices,
of tomorrow.’ according to the DfT.
8 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021
Cuttings
ASlEF’s officers (photo
taken by Andrew Wiard
long before lockdown,
covid-19, and social
distancing) Do2 Kevin
lindsay, EC3 John
Metcalfe, Do5 Nigel
gibson, EC7 Andy Hudd,
AgS Simon Weller, EC5
Howard Kaye, Do7 Brian
Corbett, Do 3Andy
Hourigan, gS Mick
Whelan, EC1 Marz
Colombini, Do6 Dicky
Fisher, Do1 graham
Morris, EC6 (and EC
president) Dave Calfe,
EC4 Mark Wakenshaw,
EC2 Jim Baxter, Do4 Nick
Whitehead, Do8 Finn
Brennan, and EC8 terry
Wilkinson
He stops to talk to every
events in the past, but Brian’s
personality has turned that
around.
When on ASLEF business it
man, woman, and dog Brian Corbett
would take us both half an hour
to get from the station entrance
to our platform because Brian
would stop and talk to every man,
ANDY HUDD, vice-president of ASLEF’s executive after 12 years of failed attempts; woman, and dog he knew along
committee, and EC member for District 7, pays Heathrow Express members have the way. This personality trait
tribute to his friend and colleague, District 7 returned to ASLEF; and Pre-Metro (which would, I admit, sometimes
Operations has now recognised drive me mad) was exactly what
Organiser Brian Corbett, who retires from the
ASLEF and we organise there. the district needed and, over the
railway at the end of this month years, unity has returned and
Transport for Wales has seen
major changes over the last 10 District 7 can now only go from
WOULD like to put on He would be the first to say that years, and this process is far from strength to strength.
I record my thanks to my
friend and colleague
he has had some ups and down
over the years, but he has always
over, but Brian’s dedication to the
issues in Wales has assisted in the
Whilst wishing Brian well for
the future I would also like to
Brian Corbett for his service to continued fighting for what he delivery of a publicly-owned congratulate Steve Austin, of
ASLEF and his work within the feels is right. His dedication to railway (in all but name) with a Paddington branch, on his
district. Having first met Brian at ASLEF was eventually rewarded commitment to no DOO. election as DO with a hope that,
ASLEF’s conference some 18 years when he was elected to the EC and However, I think his greatest as a team, we will build on Brian’s
ago and then, subsequently, at then, later, as DO where his achievement was not industrial. legacy and take the district, and
Bristol branch 11 years ago, you character shone through and was District 7 has (for as long as I have ASLEF, forward in unity to face the
can’t help but be drawn to his exactly what the district needed. known) been a fragmented challenges ahead.
personable nature, good humour, Under his stewardship Great district, partly through l turn to our centre pages for a
and dedication to ASLEF. Western Railway was harmonised geography, and partly through longer look at the life of Brian
Saving the earth
Big discount on Big Meet I was just wondering how much plastic ASLEF
uses per year that goes into landfill from the
I’m the producer of The Big Meeting film about the Durham Miners’ gala. Many ASlEF plastic wrapping used to post the Journal to
branches were very generous and donated money to help get the film made – so much so members; could this not be a paper covering?
we have the ASlEF logo in the final credits of the film. ASlEF, as a union, donated to our It would also save on the printed paper
production, as did individual branches: Preston, leeds, Waterloo Nine Elms, longsight, address sheets used with all the address
Northern line North, Ipswich, Sheffield Midland, Weymouth, Brighton, Marylebone, information as this could just be printed on the
Neasden, Peterborough, Perth, Skipton, Ilford, Faversham, Euston, gateshead & Newcastle, envelope itself. Just a thought…
Immingham, King’s Cross, Portsmouth & Isle of Wight, Manchester Piccadilly No 1, Colin Hayward
Wolverhampton, leicester, Peterborough RMS, King’s lynn, St Pancras, and Horsham.
We are very grateful and, as a thank you, we’d like to offer your readers the chance to Mick Whelan says: ‘We continually review,
get 50% off the film on DvD. the DvD is normally £10 but we are offering it to ASlEF with our printer, the best options that will
members for £5 (plus 75p p&p) as a thanks for ASlEF’s support when we began production allow the Journal to remain the oldest
in early 2019. Members can go to www.galafilm.co.uk/aslef and enter the password continuously published trade union
ASlEF2020 and buy the DvD from there. publication in the world, supporting print,
Christie Allanson post, and online for those who want it.’
January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 9
Firebox
Rock the
Casbah
GREGOR GALL, an affiliate
research associate at the
University of Glasgow, and
editor of the Scottish Left
Review, is writing a book about the
music and the politics of Joe Strummer
and The Clash to be published by
Manchester University Press. He turns
down the volume of I Fought the Law to
give us a sneak preview
HE Clash were not just the most
T important rock band to emerge
from the punk rebellion of the late In the Strummertime, when the weather is hot, you can stretch right up and touch the sky –
1970s. Nor the only significant band to Mick, topper, Joe, and Paul; Simonon smashes his Fender Precision bass guitar at the Palladium
break free from the confines of punk come theatre in New York in 1979; and london calling to the faraway towns Photos: Pennie Smith
the 1980s. The Clash are the most important
rock’n’roll band of all time. Now you don’t Uncut, Q, Mojo and Rolling Stone – look at U2 he flew... | With no Washington bullets, what
get much bigger claims than that – or Radiohead. But bands like these did not else could he do? || And if you can find an
especially the last, when you recall the change countless numbers of people’s lives Afghan rebel | That the Moscow bullets
ground-breaking cultural impact of Elvis, in a progressive way. missed | Ask him what he thinks of voting
The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. More than any other band, The Clash did Communist | Ask the Dalai Lama in the hills
So how can such statements be justified, change people’s lives. Although Strummer of Tibet | How many monks did the Chinese
beyond a bombastic opinion made, after a might not have read Antonio Gramsci on get?’
few beers, down the pub? Well, it’s not just how contesting ideas in the cultural arena is This was the first time James Dean
the music per se but the impact of a a key battleground for winning political Bradfield, of the Manic Street Preachers,
combination of the music, the lyrics, and the change, he was fully aware of how Woody had heard of Jara, after Strummer
delivery. The Clash, led by Joe Strummer, Guthrie, Phil Ochs, and Victor Jara condemned General Pinochet’s military
the band’s main lyricist, singer, and successfully used music as a medium for coup against the democratically-elected
spokesperson, were the most influential, helping create progressive change. socialist government of Salvador Allende in
politically left-wing, rock’n’roll band since In reflecting on the lives and the 1973. It led Bradfield to find out more about
the first electric guitar was played in anger. experiences of the underdog and the Jara and the Chilean struggle for freedom
And that means more important and downtrodden, the lyrics of The Clash made and democracy, resulting in his 2020 Even in
influential than Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, an emotional connection with the masses. Exile album.
or Bruce Springsteen. But that alone was not sufficient, so they
also critiqued the rich and the powerful, and CAN MUSIC CHANGE THE WORLD?
MUSIC AS A MEDIUM FOR CHANGE championed change brought about by Similar stories can be told about the impact
If you believe that the significance of music popular rebellions. Strummer’s lyrics of Spanish Bombs, a song about the Spanish
should be measured in some other way – opened up people’s political horizons. Civil War of 1936-39, and the poet, Federico
through the mastery of instrumentation, Critically, he said: ‘If you’re serious about García Lorca, who was murdered by Franco’s
new forms of song structure, or sonic change, change yourself and get active’. fascist henchmen. Bradfield says If You
innovation – or that music should be Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next, a
apolitical, then this will not make much LET FURY HAVE THE HOUR, ANGER Manics’ song from 1998, ‘was partly inspired
sense. CAN BE POWER, CAN YOU USE IT? by Spanish Bombs.’
And, yes, there were, arguably, bands Amongst the best are these lines from White The number of senior union officials who
that were more left-wing, but they did not Riot: ‘Are you taking orders | Or are you were inspired, motivated, and ideologically
have the influence or the impact of The taking over? | Are you going backwards | Or sustained by The Clash includes Mick Rix, a
Clash. We could mention The Redskins, Gang are you going forwards?’; and Clampdown: former general secretary of ASLEF; Andy
of Four, Easterhouse, and Crass. But the ‘Kick over the wall ’cause government’s to Gilchrist and Matt Wrack of the Fire Brigades
purity of your ideology does not count for fall | How can you refuse it? | Let fury have Union; Jeremy Dear of the National Union of
much if it does not reach a mass audience the hour, anger can be power | Do you know Journalists; and Mark Serwotka of the
and affect some noticeable progressive that you can use it?’ Public and Commercial Services union.
change in the audience. And Washington Bullets, a superb three- Lest anyone thinks the impact of The
Of course, there have been much bigger sided critique of imperialism: ‘For the very Clash was down to one man, the input of
bands in terms of albums and singles sales, first time ever | When they had a revolution Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper
dollar grossing tours, YouTube views, or in Nicaragua | There was no interference Headon needs acknowledging in terms of
having records appear in one of those ‘all from America | Human rights in America || their musicality and political sensibilities.
time best’ lists loved by magazines such as Well the people fought the leader | And up The Clash, live, were a spectacular,
10 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021Manifesto
Germany calling
DAVID MATHIESON enjoys a book that
compares and contrasts a country that puts
cool meritocratic ability to master detail
above muddle, bluster, indecision, and
frivolous upper-class public school clowning
ERMANY has long
G been at the butt end
of British ribaldry.
From the laddish football
chant of ‘two world wars and
one world cup’ to the antics of
Basil Fawlty trying ‘not to
mention the war’, a one liner
about Germany is almost
always guaranteed to raise
a smile.
Yet a new book, Why the
Germans Do it Better: Notes
John Kampfner, who has worked as a reporter for Reuters,
from a Grown Up Country by
the Daily Telegraph, Financial Times, Radio 4’s Today
John Kampfner (Atlantic
programme and Newsnight on BBC2, and edited the New
Books, £16.99), suggests that
Statesman, reveals what the germans get right – and how
if we only ever talk about
they do it – including their state-owned railway
Germany in terms of World
War II, then the joke really is company, the state, and the doors and has, generally
on us. For anyone on the left trade unions. successfully, integrated more
interested in how to meld From the high quality than a million migrants.
high living standards and education and training of Perhaps nobody
social cohesion with a skilled workers to export personifies the spirit of
dynamic economy, Germany promotion in tricky markets modern Germany better than
is a good place to start. like China, companies work in the distinctly unflashy
Author John Kampfner is a tandem with social partners. Chancellor, Angela Merkel, or
long-time Germany watcher Friction is unavoidable but ‘mother’ as she is commonly
and not blind to the country’s the tripartite agreements known. Chancellor for the
deep historical flaws. generally minimize disruption past 15 years, Merkel’s
His father was a Jewish and iron out conflicts of Christian Democrat Party has
refugee from the Nazi regime interest in both the economic seldom enjoyed an outright
and his comment that ‘no and political spheres. majority in the German
country has caused so much Kampfner charts the parliament, the Bundestag,
harm in so little time’ is triumph of consensus over where she currently governs
patently true. Yet the much conflict in modern Germany in coalition with Labour’s
neglected story he tells, of to produce a culture which sister party, the SPD.
Germany since 1945, is at has served the country well. With a PhD in Chemistry,
least as fascinating as the When the Berlin wall Merkel is the product of a
horrific saga that went before. collapsed in 1989, a political system less bothered
A determination – almost prosperous West Germany about ‘charisma’ than a cool
universal across German absorbed the huge cost of ability to master detail. The
society – not to repeat the integrating the basket case contrast with our own class-
catastrophic mistakes of the economy of the communist ridden politics where public
incendiary force. Visually, they carried the day past has led to the creation of east with little complaint or school clowning is rewarded
as perfectly posed rebels. Critically, they walked a healthy polity which places outside help. with high office could not be
it like they talked it. The Clash not only played a high value on consensus When others turned their greater or, as Kampfner
the Rock Against Racism gig in 1978 but they and transparency. backs on Syrian refugees in clearly demonstrates, more
also went to Belfast when no other bands This is a country where the 2016 Germany opened its lamentable.
would, had black artists open for them, and railway system, Deutsche
invited Aboriginal rights activists to speak Bahn, is wholly state-owned,
before their Australian shows. They forewent and there is no serious
suggestion that it should ever DAVID MATHIESON was a special adviser to Robin
royalties on their triple album, Sandinista, to Cook. He lectures on economics at a college in
make it affordable for fans. be otherwise. Whilst
Germany is renowned for its Überlingen on the shores of Lake Konstanz and is
To the hoary old question of ‘But can music the author of Hitler’s Munich and Frontline Madrid:
change the world?’, the evidence of The Clash is many world-beating private
companies – think Mercedes, A Guide to Battlefield Sites of the Spanish Civil War.
that, yes, it can and does help some people to He also organizes tours of Spanish Civil War
see the world in a different way, and this can Bosch, and Siemens – these
are underpinned by a battlefields at www.spanishsites.org
and will then lead some of them to try to change
our world. partnership between the
January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 11Agenda
I’m dreaming dreams,
scheming schemes,
building castles high
District 7 Organiser Brian He was working for British Rail, at Stratford
Corbett retires at the end of depot in East London, and went to his first
this month. KEITH RICHMOND branch meeting at 17. ‘It was a closed shop, but I
looks back on the life of Brian would have joined the union, anyway. My dad
was in the union at Newham council and my
as a teenager in the rag trade,
brother was branch chair of the National Union
train driver, trade union activist, Irons of Public Employees.
fan, and those World Cup winners in ’66 ‘The instructor driver came in and said, “There
are two unions, ASLEF and the NUR”. He was
HEN Brian Corbett and Cliff Holloway wearing his 30 year ASLEF badge, and added,
W were young second men, and due on at
3am or 4am, Cliff would sometimes stay
“Some of them [NUR] are strike breakers”.
‘Now the railway is – or can be – a dangerous
round Brian’s house. That was why they were place. Everything might look okay but if you’re
walking to Ilford station, in the chilly dark before led into situations by signalmen, station staff,
dawn, to get an early morning staff train, at the guards, whatever, you can, quite easily, without
height of the Troubles. knowing you’ve done something wrong, hit a being elected to the EC in 2008 and then DO –
‘We were wearing Crombies, and each had a problem. And we’re running on infrastructure responsible for GWR, Transport for Wales, and
bag, with big gloves for coupling up, and so on, that is quite old. That’s why drivers need union Chiltern – in 2014.
when we were stopped and searched by the support. I’ve dealt with a number of disciplinary ‘When the Tory government broke up BR,
police as suspected IRA terrorists. We were issues, and the process can be quite extreme. and the depots split, they had what they called
entirely innocent, but struggled to make them ‘That’s why it’s vital you don’t go in by O4Q – Organising for Quality – although some
understand we were two railwaymen on our way yourself, always take a rep. I’ve worked with of us said there is no “f” in quality, but it worked
to work. We were going to miss our train, so we some very good managers, who understand out quite well as most members got their first or
asked for a lift, and they didn’t give us a lift, how things should be done, but, unfortunately, second preference company.
either…’ there are a small but dangerous number of ‘And on company council Steve Williams and
As a lifelong West Ham fan – ‘fortune’s always zealots in the management grade who want to I negotiated the first ever DRI which lifted
hiding, I’ve looked everywhere’ – he should be get a driver. Now you could hire a lawyer, but it earnings from £11,666 to £20,200. Not bad, is it?
used to life’s little sorrows and the slings and could cost thousands of pounds in solicitors’ All the others followed us. Some got better
arrows of outrageous fortune. fees, if you’re involved in a crash, and the union money, but may have worse conditions…
subs are, frankly, a very sound and much less ‘I stood against Stan Moran for the officer’s
EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE AT ALDGATE expensive investment.’ job, when he was on the EC, but lost by 44
Brian was born at Forest Gate Hospital – ‘all Brian was elected to the LDC at Stratford in votes, and was then elected to the EC position
Nissen huts and concrete walkways’ – in East 1983, replacing Tony West – ‘big boots to fill’ – he had vacated.
London on New Year’s Day 1957. He left school where he worked alongside Lew Adams. ‘They ‘When Keith Norman was GS he didn’t want
at 15 and had an apprenticeship lined up with were great influences on me, Tony and Lew, as to engage with anyone politically, and none of
the Gas Board ‘before they decided to take 18- well as Len Mills, sectional council member the railway organisations wanted to talk to the
year-olds, who could work shifts, and told the before Tony; Mick Blackburn, who became AGS, EC about anything. The only time was when we
rest of us to clear off.’ and was best man at my wedding; and Andy put a limit of 20mph on all level crossings, after
He did a stint at a hardware shop in Barking, Ramsay, branch secretary at Stratford, and LDC, an accident in Scotland, and the head of
and then at a dress factory in Aldgate, cutting who, if he lost a vote, would loyally argue for the Network Rail and two other guys turned up, and
rolls of cloth so the women on the machines res just passed. I learned a lot from watching it changed dramatically, all the stakeholders
could put the patterns on. how he operated.’ suddenly wanted to talk to ASLEF.
‘It was an eye-opening experience, with the Brian moved to Bristol in 1989, as his wife
women trying on the dresses, for fit, saying, wanted to be near her family, felt ‘it was like RAILWAYS IN PUBLIC OWNERSHIP
“Now you don’t mind seeing us in just our walking back in time, different world, different ‘When the DO vacancy came up, I thought I’d be
underwear, do you, Brian?” But it was a dodgy culture’ and ‘it upset a lot of people when, in better off out with the troops, talking to people,
operation and one day, as we were moving stuff 1990, the youngsters here voted me branch getting things done in the region, because it’s
in and out, the bailiffs turned up.’ secretary’. He became more popular, though, great having policies from the companies, and
He went to the youth employment exchange when he refused to accept the depot average, as a trade union, but if they’re just ticking boxes,
where they showed him a job ‘for a second man requested it went to sectional council, and they then they’re not worth the paper they’re written
– mate to a train driver – on local routes, £8 a agreed that L215 should be paid to all the drivers on. I’ve put ASLEF policies into practice, on
week, and I thought, I quite like the sound of – ‘a good deal and a big money earner’. inclusion and diversity, EJRA on Chiltern, and
that.’ His dad had been a box boy – working in a He was branch secretary until 2000 – ‘Bernard mental health; dealt successfully with a lot of
signal box with a signalman – and told him, ‘Get Kennedy took over and has been in position ever disciplinary issues; and negotiated recognition
on it, best thing you’ll ever do.’ And was it? ‘Yes! since’ – and was elected onto sectional council B, at Pre Metro Operations, a small company in
Although I did nights for 18 months...’ covering the whole of BR western region, before Stourbridge.’
12 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021Brian Corbett
Brian in action
during the 1982
strike; with tony West
and lew Adams at
the Railway tavern,
Stratford; the 35
hours dispute at
Bristol Bath Road;
and Brian Corbett’s
claret and blue army
in double figures, and then a member of Arthur childhood. He recalls West Ham beating Arsenal
Scargill’s Socialist Labour Party, but I joined with a rare Trevor Brooking header to win the FA
Labour as soon as I saw people interested in Cup in 1980; beating Ipswich in ‘the noisiest
talking about real socialism, when Jeremy match I’ve been to’ in a play-off semi-final in
Corbyn became leader.’ 2004; and, the most emotional, ‘the final game at
When Robert Mugabe, of the Zimbabwean the Boleyn Ground when we beat Manchester
African National Union, and Joshua Nkomo, of United in 2016.’ The highs and lows of footie, he
the Zimbabwean African People’s Union, were in says dryly, are like those of a union rep. ‘You can’t
London in 1979 negotiating the Lancaster House win every time’.
agreement with Ian Smith, Prime Minister of He married Bev in 1980 – romantically,
Rhodesia, Bishop Abel Muzorewa, and British promising to tie the knot if West Ham won the
Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington, Brian and Cup – and they have two sons, Brett and Ash.
Mick Blackburn acted as stewards for a packed ‘We’d like to do more travelling – although that’s
anti-apartheid meeting at Westminster Hall. on hold at the moment – and spend more time
He’s thrilled that Transport for Wales is back with our grandson Alex. And I’m toying with
under public control – and won’t be retendered HIGHS AND LOWS OF FOOTIE getting back involved politically, with the Labour
for seven years – and believes this is just the ‘The CP was the only party they trusted, and the Party, and issues like the Palestinian cause.
start of bringing all of Britain’s railways back into CP had an ex-Para hard nut in charge of security, ‘Because every decision taken that affects
public ownership. so Mick and I were entrusted with the job of people’s working lives is political, and people
Because Brian believes in public ownership escorting the delegates, including Robert need to understand the politics of what is going
and is a card-carrying Labour Party member Mugabe, into the building, up the lift, and onto on. Covid will give impetus to the establishment
although he was, he admits, a little late to the the stage, where we stood, pretending to be to reset the economy, with really strict wage
party. Well, that party. ‘I was a member of the hard, to protect him!’ constraints. These are worrying times, but we can
Communist Party for many years, at Stratford Brian’s West Country exile hasn’t dimmed his move forward with the right people doing the
the railway branch membership of the CP was enthusiasm for the claret and blue idols of his right things.’
It could have been me...
A tragic collision at Ladbroke Grove, two got off and on. I was still stopped. I was fuming, as he hadn’t
miles out from Paddington, on 5 October pulled off the signal, and I was going to be late. then he pulled
1999 claimed the lives of 31 people, off the green, and let Brian go in front of me. otherwise, it would
including the two drivers, Brian Cooper and have been me.
Coming into Acton main line, double yellow, signal, went to
Michael Hodder, and left 258 others injured
single yellow, so I put the brake in emergency, on the HSt, and
in one of the worst accidents on Britain’s fortunately stopped at the red light. Immediately got on the
railways. Here Brian who, 21 years ago, was a phone to the signalman, for putting the signal back, and he said,
driver with First GreatWestern, tells how the HST he was ‘look, mate, we’ve got a major incident, come back in ten
driving was so nearly the one that crashed minutes.’
then I had a bang on the door, and one of the managers, in an
ARlY morning, I was driving from Bristol to london. the orange jacket, had been told a train had crashed in front. Now
E train concerned in the collision was empty to
Cheltenham, where the driver changed ends, and
there was a slight curve, so I couldn’t see it, but I could see the
smoke coming up and, as I walked along, I heard shouts from
worked it from Cheltenham to Paddington. the driver booked on passengers who had mobile phones and told me there had been
that turn went sick so they asked another driver to step up, and a train crash and people had been killed.
he said, ‘I’m prepared to work it to Reading, but then need a I spoke to the guard, and signalman, who told me to change
relief, to work my booked train back from Reading to Exeter’. So ends and go, wrong road, then back to the normal route, to
Brian Cooper, spare at Paddington, was asked to travel Ealing Broadway to detrain my passengers.
passenger to Reading to relieve that driver. then I went back empty to Reading, where it was chaos, and,
I came in on the platform, stopped at a red light, passengers eventually, back to Bristol.
January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 13You can also read
