Tomorrow, Tuesday 19 June, Labour will seek to force a vote of no confidence in the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling.

Labour’s opposition day is a ‘confidence motion’ in Chris Grayling. This is a little used but well established parliamentary device that seeks to test whether the House of Commons supports a Government Minister in the carrying out of their responsibilities.

These motions have traditionally been treated as a ‘matter of confidence’ in a particular individual. Therefore it is politically imperative that the Government defeats such a motion to ensure an individual can remain in post. The motion also calls for the termination of the Northern and Govia Thameslink Railway franchises.



Speaking ahead of the debate, Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary said:

“The crisis facing our railways is a national scandal, and the person ultimately responsible must be held to account.

“Chris Grayling has failed to fulfil his basic duty to manage our railways, and failed to take responsibility for the chaos and disruption that has affected thousands of commuters across the North of England. While officials within rail franchises have resigned and forgone bonuses, the Secretary of State has continued to pass the buck.

“Passengers across our country have no confidence in Chris Grayling. It’s time Parliament steps in to hold him to account, and immediately terminate the Northern and Govia Thameslink Railways franchises, to end the crisis in our railways.”