Starmer's rail plans will 'help Sadiq Khan's war on suburbs'

Under Keir Starmer's proposals, Sadiq Khan would be given a «legitimate position within the wider rail network». Photo: Leon Neil/Getty

Sir Keir Starmer's rail plans will help Sadiq Khan's 'war on the suburbs', government sources warn.

The Labor leader has been accused of 'aiding and abetting' the London mayor to expand his «fiefdom», increasing its powers in the railway network in suburban areas.

Mr Khan was re-elected as mayor for a third term, but analysis of the vote shows his popularity in inner London far exceeded that in the suburbs.

His average point change increased by 7.2 percentage points. in inner London compared with 1.1 percentage points in outer London.

A government source said «the train lines are not working.» #39;don't just stop at the boundaries of the Greater London Authority' Photo: Tonywestphoto/Corbis Documentary RF

Policies such as the expansion of the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), where residents are charged £12.50 to drive, are thought to be to blame for Mr Khan's declining appeal on the outskirts of the capital , if their car does not meet emission standards. .

Under Labour's rail plan, mayors and other devolved leaders would be given a statutory role in the rail network, with increased powers to «manage, manage, plan and develop the rail network».

>

In their The proposals state that: «Therefore, for the first time, devolved leaders in Scotland, Wales and the combined powers of mayors will have a statutory role in the rail network.»

“National and regional transport authorities will have the ability to harmonize national and regional rail services under a single rail organisation, allowing decentralized leaders to develop ambitious plans for creating seamless, integrated transport networks and a public transport system that properly serves their local areas.”

Under Labour's plans to renationalise the railways, with all decisions ultimately made by a new public sector body called Great British Railways.

Mr Khan already controls the Transport for London (TfL) network, but under Sir Keir's proposals he would have a «legitimate» position within the wider rail network, which includes commuter trains to and from London. The mayor's office has said it will focus on rail services serving Greater London.

'Democracy deficit'

'It begs the question — where will his fief end?' a government source said. “Rail lines don't just stop at GLA [Greater London Authority] boundaries.

“Labour's plans will contribute to Sadiq Khan's war on suburbs and places near London that didn't vote for him.

“This risks a fundamental democratic deficit for people living in Kent, Surrey and beyond. other places around London whose lives will be affected by the mayor's decisions, for whom they will not be able to vote.

“He has an intention to target Tory voting suburbs to increase revenues and make quick money. There are certain parallels with the Ulez expansion, which hit people just outside the GLA. The problem is that in a nightmare scenario, these proposals will allow him to do this not only on the road, but also on the railway.

A spokesman for the Mayor said: “The capital's commuter rail operators have failed Londoners year after year. Passengers have faced delays, poor service and unjustifiable fare increases.

“The Mayor believes Londoners and commuters who commute to the capital deserve better. That's why he is calling for some rail lines to be devolved to TfL, giving priority to services that serve mainly within Greater London.»

A Labor Party spokesman said: «The Labor Party wants to bring decision-making as close as possible to communities, in whom they work. serves.

“That's why, under Labour, the devolved leaders of Scotland, Wales and the combined powers of mayors will play a statutory role in the governance, management, planning and development of the Great British Railway network.”