Airlines, train and bus companies in Britain can be temporarily nationalized to assist them in the coronavirus outbreak, Grant Shapps proposed today.
The transport secretary told MPs that good organizations “should not go bankrupt” due to problems caused by the spread of the infection.
He said that many different responses will be needed, including “on occasion public sector-run organizations,” noting that this has already happened for some railway companies, but for reasons unrelated to the corona virus.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Downing Street in London today for a cabinet meeting
A scanty carriage in a commuter train from Maidenhead to London Paddington today
A sparsely filled carriage in an underground train on Goldhawk Road in West London today
Northern Rail was taken into public ownership earlier this month after complaints about the poor level of service.
Regarding the train schedules, Mr. Shapps also spoke of the desire to avoid ‘ghost trains’, but noted that it may be desirable to run as many services as possible to provide passengers with space to meet requirements for social distance.
His comments came after Labors Stephen Doughty, Member of Parliament for Cardiff South and Penarth, emphasized Mr Shapps ‘comments on supporting airlines, train and bus companies, asking:’ Does he accept that we may need to get some of them nationally owned? perhaps for a temporary period? ‘
Mr Doughty also requests that the rules be relaxed in “bailouts” for municipal bus companies and others.
Air travelers in face masks walk through an abandoned London Heathrow Terminal Five today
A check-in information board with flight cancellations at London Luton Airport today
Two men and a child with face masks walk through London Luton Airport today
On the last day of the budget debate, Mr. Shapps replied: “The principle, as far as we can make this possible, should be that people and individuals and companies are left in the same position when we get out of this.
“Although I have to say, I feel we will be in a slightly changed world, a slightly changed environment on the other hand, but good organizations shouldn’t go bankrupt.
“It will be hugely challenging and we will need many different responses and mechanisms to get there, including organizations run by the public sector, which he already sees in trains, but for a very different reason. ‘
Speaking about train schedules, Mr. Shapps said, “It makes no sense to run on empty trains because fewer people will travel on the advice and guidance of last night’s government and prime minister.
“So in the short, medium term, the schedules can be changed to make sure we don’t use ghost trains, which makes no sense.”
Mr. Shapps said the government is also “committed” to ensuring that companies “maintain the strongest position possible” to ensure they can continue to operate after the virus outbreak, adding, “We will work with the transportation industry to ensure that essential services for the public and for those who need to work, those who have essentials. ‘
Former Labor Secretary Yvette Cooper, wondering why train services would be cut because there is so much ‘pressure’, adding: ‘There’s no point in running many more for the essential workers who are still have to work, but to make sure there are far fewer people on it? ‘
Mr. Shapps replies: “She is making an excellent point and the reality is that, also due to social distances, it may be desirable to have more space between seats so that people can keep some distance, so yes, it absolutely needs to be taken into account if we look at the future timetable. ‘
Even today, the British were advised against all non-essential travel abroad, as the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic continue.
The Airport Operators Association warned that UK airports could close “within weeks without government intervention.”
Despite that warning, Secretary of State Dominic Raab told MPs that the government advised against all non-essential foreign trips for an initial 30-day period.
Meanwhile, a second person has died in Scotland after the diagnosis of the disease, bringing the death toll to 56.
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