Menu
16/12/2011
Major Thameslink Rail Contract 'Disaster' - Union
A major UK workers union has described the awarding of new train contract to Siemens as "a disaster" and warning that it "skews the market".
Responding to a Transport Select Committee Report published on Friday looking into the handling of the Thameslink contract, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Deputy General Secretary Frances O'Grady said the report vindicated its concerns on recent public procurement.
According to the Transport Select Committee report, the awarding of the contract to Siemens was influenced heavily by the company's strong credit rating and "excellence in train design" and domestic manufacturing.
"It is hard to escape the conclusion that Siemens' A+ credit rating made a significant contribution to its success in winning the Thameslink procurement. We are concerned that bundling train manufacture and financing together in procurement exercises will skew the market towards larger multinational firms, possibly at the expense of excellence in train design and domestic manufacturing," their report says.
The TUC and rail unions said they had repeatedly raised their concerns over the contract with ministers over the last eighteen months and urged the Government to reassess the award.
A TUC spokesman said: "The Thameslink procurement process has been flawed throughout. In particular, the Select Committee report supports our view that the financing arrangement that forms part of the tender skews the market. Bombardier never had a chance.
"It is still not too late for the government to do the right thing for Bombardier, its workforce, its suppliers and the UK taxpayer, and change its decision.
The TUC said rolling private finance into the Thameslink tender had been a disaster as it benefited the UK's competitors and provided poor value for money at a time when public borrowing was significantly cheaper.
(DW)
Responding to a Transport Select Committee Report published on Friday looking into the handling of the Thameslink contract, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Deputy General Secretary Frances O'Grady said the report vindicated its concerns on recent public procurement.
According to the Transport Select Committee report, the awarding of the contract to Siemens was influenced heavily by the company's strong credit rating and "excellence in train design" and domestic manufacturing.
"It is hard to escape the conclusion that Siemens' A+ credit rating made a significant contribution to its success in winning the Thameslink procurement. We are concerned that bundling train manufacture and financing together in procurement exercises will skew the market towards larger multinational firms, possibly at the expense of excellence in train design and domestic manufacturing," their report says.
The TUC and rail unions said they had repeatedly raised their concerns over the contract with ministers over the last eighteen months and urged the Government to reassess the award.
A TUC spokesman said: "The Thameslink procurement process has been flawed throughout. In particular, the Select Committee report supports our view that the financing arrangement that forms part of the tender skews the market. Bombardier never had a chance.
"It is still not too late for the government to do the right thing for Bombardier, its workforce, its suppliers and the UK taxpayer, and change its decision.
The TUC said rolling private finance into the Thameslink tender had been a disaster as it benefited the UK's competitors and provided poor value for money at a time when public borrowing was significantly cheaper.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 July 2013
Trainmaker Wins Thameslink Electric Contract
Derby-based trainmaker Bombardier has won a £180 million deal to supply some 116 electric rolling stock vehicles. The new stock will be used on the north-south, cross-London Thameslink route. The contract also contains the option for an additional 140 vehicles, which brings the potential value of the order to£385 million.
Trainmaker Wins Thameslink Electric Contract
Derby-based trainmaker Bombardier has won a £180 million deal to supply some 116 electric rolling stock vehicles. The new stock will be used on the north-south, cross-London Thameslink route. The contract also contains the option for an additional 140 vehicles, which brings the potential value of the order to£385 million.
04 December 2013
£40bn Investment In Renewables Expected By 2020
£40bn of investments are expected in renewable electricity generation up to 2020, according to the government. The news follows updated contract terms and strike prices published today. Over 20GW of renewables capacity is currently operational in the UK. The government expects this to double by 2020 as a result of new reforms.
£40bn Investment In Renewables Expected By 2020
£40bn of investments are expected in renewable electricity generation up to 2020, according to the government. The news follows updated contract terms and strike prices published today. Over 20GW of renewables capacity is currently operational in the UK. The government expects this to double by 2020 as a result of new reforms.
21 August 2003
Two US troops killed in Iraq ambushes
Two Americans soldiers died in separate attacks in Iraq yesterday, the US military has confirmed. A soldier from the 3rd Corps Support Command, operating out of Kuwait, was killed when his heavy transport hauler was attacked with small-arms fire southeast of the town of Ad Diwaniyah, south of Baghdad.
Two US troops killed in Iraq ambushes
Two Americans soldiers died in separate attacks in Iraq yesterday, the US military has confirmed. A soldier from the 3rd Corps Support Command, operating out of Kuwait, was killed when his heavy transport hauler was attacked with small-arms fire southeast of the town of Ad Diwaniyah, south of Baghdad.
25 November 2010
Full Steam Ahead For Thameslink Programme
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the Thameslink Programme will go ahead in full. The Secretary of State for Transport, Mr Philip Hammond, said: "Over the next four years, we will provide £14 billion of funding to Network Rail to support capital maintenance and infrastructure investment; and £750 million for high speed rail.
Full Steam Ahead For Thameslink Programme
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the Thameslink Programme will go ahead in full. The Secretary of State for Transport, Mr Philip Hammond, said: "Over the next four years, we will provide £14 billion of funding to Network Rail to support capital maintenance and infrastructure investment; and £750 million for high speed rail.
23 May 2014
Govia To Run New Thameslink Franchise
The Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern (TSGN) railway franchise is to be run by Govia, following a seven-year contract deal that saw rival company FirstGroup miss out.
Govia To Run New Thameslink Franchise
The Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern (TSGN) railway franchise is to be run by Govia, following a seven-year contract deal that saw rival company FirstGroup miss out.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
