Save the Tube Campaign

Bob Kiley meets some of the London Liberal Democrat MPs and GLA members at Party Conference

In a debate in the Commons on the controversial consultation on the PPP for London's tube, I called for the resignation of Stephen Byers, the Transport Minister.

I described the current PPP consultation as "incomplete and inadequate" and revealed that the consultation process would have to be repeated because of its shortcomings.

Read the full details of my accusations.

(Since this was written Stephen Byers has, of course, resigned as Transport Minister)

Why I am worried about the Tube

I am profoundly worried about the future of London's tube network.

The Government's draft contracts are not only incomplete, but contain no method of ending these agreements, if the private contractors fail to deliver.

Stephen Byers is foisting a thirty year deal on Londoners, with no get out, during his last thirty days, before he gets out.

Liberal Democrats will now be raising the stakes on this deal, and examining all remaining avenues to scupper this appalling deal for London.

Background on PPP for the London Tube

Three years ago John Prescott planned his Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the London Tube.

This involved breaking up the current network and franchising its parts to private firms.

I am opposed to this plan.

This PPP could be a Railtrack below ground: chaos for passengers and an expensive nightmare.

Liberal Democrat alternative

I have met Bob Kiley, the American who turned round New York's subway and who Ken Livingstone appointed to run Transport for London. He was sympathetic to the Liberal Democrat alternative to the PPP.

I'm pleased to see Conservatives dropping their support for privatising London's Tube.

It's time for people to set aside their differences and campaign before it is too late.

Save the Tube

If you agree with me then take a few moments to sign the Liberal Democrat online petition.