Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, has expressed his shock and disappointment at today’s announcement (10 April) from the Department for Transport (DfT) that negotiations are taking place for a further extension to the current rail franchise. This could see Southeastern continuing to run services until 10 November 2019, with an option to extend the agreement further to April 2020.

Sir David commented: “I am shocked and appalled that we are potentially seeing yet another delay in awarding the new franchise. This is simply unacceptable.

“In Bexley we suffer from a terrible rail service at the hands of Southeastern, with delays and cancellations occurring far too often. There is much to look forward to in the new franchise agreement, but improvements are desperately needed now, not later this year or in 2020.

“I have worked with colleagues locally, held Parliamentary debates, submitted written questions, made various representations to Ministers, and secured Ministerial visits, and am bitterly disappointed this appears to be happening again. The Secretary of State is well aware of our problems in South East London and is letting us down badly. I will continue to fight for better rail services on behalf of my constituents and fellow rail users.”