Rail users watching renationalisation 'with interest'

Rail users in the South West say they will be watching "with interest" to see what changes could be delivered after South Western Railway was renationalised.SWR was brought into public ownership on Sunday and the Department of Transport is now responsible for it until the Great British Railways is created later in the year.Bruce Duncan, chair of the Salisbury to Exeter Rail Users Group (SERUG), said "it's really about is there going to be change".The government has said it plans to renationalise nearly all passenger rail services in England by 2027.
The government said seven more companies, including Great Western Railway (GWR) which operates services across Devon, Cornwall and beyond, will be renationalised by 2027 as each of their contracts end – or sooner if their performance is judged to be unacceptable.Mike Reddaway, chair of the Avocet Line Rail Users Group (ALRUG) which represents passengers on the Exmouth to Exeter railway, said the group was "not expecting a lot of change immediately".He said the group would "watch with interest" to see what happens to other renationalised train operators before GWR is taken in by the government.The government said on Sunday it cannot guarantee train tickets will get cheaper under renationalisation.Mr Reddaway said: "The Avocet Line Rail Users Group is not surprised that the government is unable to guarantee cheaper train tickets after renationalisation."There is a great need to simplify the very complex rail ticketing which has been promised for some time."
Mr Duncan said plans for developing the Devon Metro were key in which half-hourly trains would travel between Honiton and Exeter."Devon Metro is critical," he said."Exeter is a huge growth city in the UK but to enable that to be done you have to put a bit of double-track back."Everybody's agreed it can be done except the politicians won't find the money for it."

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26 minutes ago

• Times

HS2 boss took home £4.5m during ‘appalling mess' of project

The former chief of HS2 took home £4.5 million of taxpayers' money while presiding over an 'appalling mess' of a project that wasted billions. Mark Thurston was at the helm of the disgraced scheme for six and a half years before leaving in September 2023 and then becoming chief executive of Anglian Water. He has been banned by ministers from receiving a bonus at the water company for the last financial year because it was found to have polluted our rivers. While at HS2, Thurston's pay ranged from £585,000 to £676,000 a year including bonuses and other taxable benefits. During his time at the government-owned company he took home £4,449,977. He joined HS2 in 2017, shortly after parliament signed off the building of the project's first phase. He previously worked on the 2012 London Olympics and Crossrail, now the Elizabeth Line, the heavily delayed new railway through central London. Thurston's oversight of HS2 was put under the spotlight this week when his successor's initial findings into the failures of the project were published. Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, told the Commons on Wednesday that the scheme had become an 'appalling mess' after years of mismanagement. She said: 'It gives me no pleasure to deliver news like this. Billions of pounds of taxpayers' money has been wasted by constant scope changes, ineffective contracts and bad management.' Mark Wild, who took over the running of HS2 in December last year, has been carrying out a root and branch review of the scheme in an bid to stem ballooning costs and restore proper oversight. Wild's salary will be declared in accounts published this summer although his base salary is said to be lower than Thurston's. The project was originally due to cost £32.7 billion — in 2011 prices — with the first leg between London and the Midlands opening in late 2026. The pared-back scheme could now cost more than £100 billion. In a letter to Alexander, published on Wednesday, Wild said: 'The position I have inherited in HS2 Ltd is unacceptable; the organisation has failed in its mission to control costs and deliver to schedule.' It was announced that Thurston, 58, was leaving HS2 in July 2023. He said the project was the 'highlight of my career', adding: 'I have agreed with the board that someone else should lead the organisation and programme through what will be another defining period for HS2.' His appointment to Anglian Water, which he joined in July last year, caused much comment, not least because of government criticisms of the financial stewardship of HS2. Responding in November last year, he told The Times: 'If customers want to challenge my appointment, all I can say is that it was a very thorough and comprehensive process. 'The board clearly thought I was a good fit. They have to account for that and only time will tell whether it was a good appointment.' Transport bosses are traditionally the highest paid public servants in the country, with those in the rail industry in particular receiving the biggest remuneration packages. The last time the Cabinet Office reported on senior civil service pay was in 2023 with figures for the previous year. The list was not updated in 2024 by the Conservatives before the election. It revealed that the 45 highest paid staff at HS2 had a combined pay packet of £8.9 million. Of the top 20 best paid, only six still work at the company three years later. It is understood that many senior executives left the company after Rishi Sunak cancelled the northern leg of the project in October 2023. A spokesman for HS2 Ltd said: ' Mark Wild is leading a comprehensive reset of HS2 to ensure the project can be delivered for the lowest reasonable cost. This includes reviewing and simplifying the structure of HS2 Ltd itself — putting more focus on front-line delivery of the railway and bearing down on unnecessary costs. 'This year, we have frozen pay and withheld all bonuses for staff in the highest grades at HS2 Ltd.'

The Sun

38 minutes ago

• The Sun

I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city

Jenna Stevens Published: Invalid Date, NOW that summer is in full swing and the heat is truly turning up, there's one spot like nowhere else to make the most of this weather - the rooftop bar. So I visited some of London 's most popular rooftop bars to see which ones are really worth it 18 Here are five of my favourites to visit if you are in the city this weekend. (Some of them feel like being at a beach club abroad, but for half the price). Magic Gardens, Victoria Flight Club Flight Club in London's Victoria is a buzzing spot for after-work drinks and competitive darts with friends. It's popular for its retro fairground decor and stunningly suave bars, serving everything from craft beers to velvety espresso martinis. It might be best known for its indoor high-energy darts, but take a step outside into their Magic Gardens and you're transported into a dreamy rooftop escape. As soon as I stepped out onto the terrace, I was hit with a vibrant floral explosion. It was a total contrast to the vintage feel of the indoor bar. The Magic Gardens are like a hidden oasis tucked between skyscrapers. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers make for a beautiful escape from the bustle of the surrounding city (and also make for a great Instagram backdrop!) The drinks menu is full of fresh, summery cocktails. The 'Rose-ito' in particular caught my eye. It's a blend of rose-flavoured vodka with fresh lime and mint - the perfect floral refresher to sip in the summer heat. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' 18 18 London Bridge Rooftop Bar In the centre of London, just minutes from Borough Market, is London Bridge Rooftop Bar. This colourful hangout is built for partying and spectacular skyline views. After making my way up a series of stairs (you forget that to visit a rooftop bar, you have to actually climb to the rooftop) I walked out onto a lawn decorated with picnic benches and bold colours. This spot definitely has a party vibe, with booming beats blasting through the speakers and a DJ booth right in the centre. It feels like a mix of city bar and Ibiza beach club, but weirdly it works. Business professionals were flocking in straight from the office, snacking on truffle fries in their suits and sunnies. 18 18 18 18 Think sipping on an Aperol Spritz and biting into a gourmet smash burger, all a stone's throw away from The Shard. The rooftop has DJ performances from 6pm Thursday through Saturday, playing the best in house and garage. They also do a bottomless brunch on Saturdays that tends to sell out. 90 blissful minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol, mimosas and beers with burgers and fries for £40 per person. Given the location, views and vibe, I think it's well worth it. Circe's Rooftop This gorgeous rooftop bar felt less like London and more like Mykonos. After walking up a staircase full of painted clouds and mythical goddess quotes, I stepped out into a world of peachy pink beachfront bliss. With its palm trees, parasols and beach hut bar, why go for a girl's trip to Marbella when you can sip and sunbathe in Waterloo? This beach club style rooftop bar is just minutes' walk from a busy station. But once I arrived, I instantly forgot about where I really was. Less Northern line, more Negronis. 18 18 The rooftop has a truly Mediterranean vibe, offering mezze and small plates to go with your piña colada or kiwi margarita. The small plates are 3 for 2 if you're there before 5pm, and range from spiced kofta lamb skewers to chilli tiger prawns. I could honestly spend all day snacking, sipping and pretending I'm away on holiday. I also couldn't help but notice the espresso martini chocolate flavoured ice cream on the puddings, served with Hotel Chocolat chocolate sauce. 18 18 Frank's Cafe If you're looking for something a little more quirky and artsy, Frank's Cafe in Peckham really took me by surprise. It has a much more urban and industrial feel, an effortlessly cool vibe, and is also the cheapest of the lot. After walking up a hot pink staircase, you step out onto a giant playground. The bar is hidden at the back of a giant rooftop, as you walk by unique art installations that make you feel like you're in Berlin. 18 18 It's a cheap and trendy spot where people gather for toasties, iced cocktails, and to watch the sunset over the London skyline. By night, the rooftop is buzzing with groups sharing jugs of cheap drinks and enjoying food from the grill. Drinks like alcoholic slushies are served in takeaway style cups at wooden benches for that no-frills urban feel. It all felt a bit too cool and concrete for me, but the £5 drinks stole my heart. This quirky spot is a great place for casual drinks with friends, a cheap bite to eat, and some pretty spectacular views over the city. 18 18 Market Halls Victoria Opposite London Victoria station is a bar where street food market hall meets swanky rooftop hangout. You start by choosing your food in the downstairs market hall, where various venders offer a range of affordable eats. Burgers from Black Bear smelled divine, and the ever-popular eggslut was serving their famous breakfast style sandwiches. I grabbed myself a tub of gelato from Badiani, and headed upstairs. 18 18 This rooftop terrace was an absolute suntrap, and the perfect spot to enjoy the street food and soak up some rays. The atmosphere is lively and the music is loud, with many gathered to watch the busy world go by with an ice cold pint. The bar also hold live music events and regularly show football matches, making it a solid spot to meet up and soak up the summer vibes. And three other rooftop bars outside of London Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar, Liverpool Located in Liverpool, Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar can be found on the eighth floor of West Africa House. With views of the city's iconic 'Three Graces' - The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. The bar is open from 12pm till late, Wednesday through to Sunday and has been described by previous visitors as a "real sun trap". 20 Stories, Manchester Over in Manchester, 20 stories is split between a roof terrace, restaurant and cocktail bar. And this summer, the bar has partnered with Aperol for a bespoke Spritz menu. The venue will also host live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Guesthouse No.42, Margate Guesthouse No.42 opened in Margate back in 2023 and in the same year the spot opened their new rooftop terrace bar. The bar features amazing 360 degree views over the beach front and serves a wide range of tipples including local beers and wine. However, it is currently the only rooftop bar in Margate - so could be busy in the summer months.

BBC News

41 minutes ago

• BBC News

Assisted dying: Esther Rantzen urges Lords not to block bill

Dame Esther Rantzen has appealed to the House of Lords not to block a bill giving terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to an assisted death, after it was backed by MPs on Terminally Ill Adults Bill was passed by 314 votes to 291 in the House of Commons - but will need to go through the Lords before becoming Dame Esther, who joined the Swiss assisted dying clinic Dignitas after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2023, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Their job is to scrutinise, to ask questions, but not to oppose."Critics of the bill, including some in the Lords, say it could see disabled and vulnerable people coerced into ending their lives. Some peers have indicated they will attempt to amend the legislation to introduce more Esther, a prominent supporter of the bill, said she did not "need to teach the House of Lords how to do their job"."People who are adamantly opposed to this bill - and they have the perfect right to oppose it - will try and stop it going through the Lords."But she said the duty of peers was to make sure "law is actually created by the elected chamber, which is the House of Commons, who have voted this through".Even though MPs have approved the bill, peers in the Lords could stop it from becoming law by voting against it or not approving it quickly Tanni Grey-Thompson, who will get a vote in the Lords, said that she had heard from "disabled people [who] are absolutely terrified" of the former Paralympian said she would put forward amendments to make it "as tight as possible" and prevent Grey-Thompson told BBC Breakfast that it was the "job in the Lords" to go "line by line" to ensure all amendments were fairly debated. "I do think there are a lot more safeguards that could be put in," she said. Under the proposals, mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with a life expectancy of less than six months would be eligible for an assisted would need to make two separate declarations, signed and witnessed, about their "clear, settled and informed" wish to die, and satisfy two independent doctors that they are eligible and have not been would be at least a seven-day gap between each application would then go before a multi-disciplinary panel comprising a psychiatrist, a social worker and a the panel approved the application, there would be a further 14-day "period of reflection" which could be cut to 48 hours if the patient is likely to die within a month. Pressed about concerns that vulnerable people could be coerced into an assisted death, Dame Esther replied: "We have got this right."She said the bill set out a "rigorous" process. An assisted death would only be available to those with six months to live who chose to ask for help with ending their lives, and had that request approved by doctors and a panel of added that that "disability will not qualify anyone for assisted dying, nor will mental disorder".Dame Esther said she was "deeply relieved" by Friday's vote - though she noted it was unlikely to become law in her lifetime."At least I know that for future generations, if life becomes intolerable, unbearable, and they are terminally ill with six months or less to live, they will be able to ask for a pain-free, swift death." The Commons vote in favour of the bill came after a debate that saw MPs tell their personal stories of seeing friends and relatives is likely, though not guaranteed, that the Lords will approve the bill later this that happens, ministers would have a maximum of four years to implement the measures, meaning assisted dying may not become available until MP Danny Kruger, a vocal opponent of the move, said he hoped the Lords would either reject the proposed legislation or "substantially strengthen it".But Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who proposed the bill, said she hoped the would be "no funny games" in the Lords, "because the process has been extremely thorough".Any changes made in the House of Lords would also have to be approved by MPs before the bill could become legislation was approved with a majority of 23 MPs - less than half the margin of 55 in favour when it was first debated in were given a free vote on the bill, meaning they did not have to follow a party policy. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the legislation, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Health Secretary Wes Streeting voted against it.