Avanti does not employ enough drivers to deliver the promised service. In fact, 400 trains per week are dependent on drivers working their rest days.

Since Avanti took over the franchise, it has got rid of 175 catering roles, significantly worsening onboard services compared to Virgin's previous provision.

Staff are doing their best despite feeling undervalued and demoralised. They strive to maintain a cheerful attitude and deliver the best possible service in difficult conditions.

I congratulate the hon. Member for Ynys Môn on securing the debate, highlighting Avanti West Coast as a company that symbolises rip-off rail due to poor management, expensive tickets, unreliable service, and issues with maintenance and cleanliness. The speaker points out that passenger complaints are frequent, impacting businesses and students negatively. He raises concerns about TransPennine Express, owned by FirstGroup, which also manages the Avanti franchise, urging the Government to hold FirstGroup accountable for failures in rail services. Additionally, the MP mentions staff dissatisfaction, particularly with senior management at Avanti West Coast, poor catering service due to faulty equipment and understaffing, and issues related to cleaners' working conditions and pay. The speaker emphasises that privatisation prioritises profit over public service and calls for an end to franchise extensions beyond April 2023, advocating instead for public ownership to serve people and the planet.

I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn on securing this debate and praise the Backbench Business Committee for facilitating it. The west coast main line is crucial, connecting London with major cities like Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and north Wales. For my constituents, good rail services are vital as they link to economic centres such as Holyhead, a key ferry port to Ireland. Since Avanti West Coast took over in 2019, service quality has deteriorated significantly; complaints from constituents highlight poor punctuality and frequent cancellations. Statistics show that Avanti’s cancellation rate was three times higher than the national average, and its on-time performance was nearly twice as bad. The company's reliance on overtime work for drivers has exacerbated staff dissatisfaction, leading to a drastic reduction in services this August. Despite extending Avanti’s franchise until April 2023 to assess improvements, I believe the Government should immediately seek new operators due to Avanti's inability to deliver adequate service.

Congratulates Virginia Crosbie on securing the debate, describes her own experiences as a frequent traveller between Wilmslow and London since 2017. Emphasises that the west coast main line is one of Great Britain's most important rail corridors but has seen significant deterioration in service quality since the pandemic, industrial action and Avanti taking over operations. Highlights specific issues such as overcrowded trains with passengers needing to stand or cram into luggage racks for hours, frequent cancellations and delays, and the impact on daily commuters and businesses. Criticises unions' excessive strike actions and management's response, stating that 45% of trains are cancelled and only 38.8% arrive on time. Urges Avanti West Coast to improve service or face losing its contract.

Constituents relying on west coast main line are facing delays, overcrowding and unreliability. Constituents resorting to driving or taking the tube instead of trains due to poor service; one constituent spends over £800 monthly for a first-class ticket just to ensure they get a seat. The situation is impacting Milton Keynes's growth as an economy, with major employers like Santander potentially reconsidering investment. Calling for Government to hold Avanti West Coast accountable and improve services or face contract removal.

Expresses sympathy for Avanti despite its poor service, criticises the RMT union's militant stance, and highlights the importance of the north Wales coast line as part of UK infrastructure. He also outlines ongoing frustrations with services, including overcrowding, unreliability, and a lack of amenities on board trains. Roberts is concerned about the feasibility of Avanti delivering promised improvements given their past performance and threatens to advocate for not renewing the franchise if service does not improve.

Congratulates Virginia Crosbie on securing the debate, emphasising the importance of reliable and affordable rail services to Aberconwy’s economy. Criticises Avanti's service as unacceptable, especially after implementing an emergency timetable that removed direct London-north Wales services. Highlights the necessity of good transport connectivity for levelling up initiatives like the Anglesey freeport campaign. Stresses the need for reliable rail connections to attract new business investment and promote tourism in Aberconwy. Calls on the Minister to review and rename the franchise as the North Wales and West Coast Main Line, recognising its strategic importance.

Critiques the performance of Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express, highlighting delays, cancellations, and poor service. Advocates for greater public control over rail services to improve reliability and integration with local economies. Suggests that a unified national approach could better serve communities and promote decarbonisation.

The west coast main line is one of the most important rail corridors in the UK, yet it faces numerous challenges due to poor service delivery by operators such as Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express. Tan Dhesi criticised Avanti's 33% on-time performance record, stating that two-thirds of passengers are being let down regularly. He also highlighted that £12 million in dividends was paid to Avanti last year despite its poor service. Dhesi called for the Government to take urgent action and place failing operators on a binding remedial plan with clear penalties. He urged the Rail Minister to come clean about any blockage of an offer on rest day working that could stabilise rail services.

Intervened to express confusion over the Department for Transport's role, suggesting it often acts as a public relations department for private rail operators rather than resolving disputes and addressing their root causes. He highlighted damage to Stockport’s economy due to reduced services and the struggles faced by hard-working rail workers who kept the country moving during the pandemic.

Made biting interventions, highlighting that while the debate often centres around poor service delivery on the west coast main line, it is crucial for England, Scotland, and Wales. He questioned whether Opposition Benches would handle PR better in this situation.

Acknowledged the deteriorating situation on the west coast main line due to driver shortages and contractual issues. Emphasised the government's efforts to stabilise services with new drivers, extended booking options, and a revised timetable. Called for an end to industrial action and urged unions to negotiate fair agreements.

Contributed by discussing the need for workforce reform and ending disputes to ensure a reliable service seven days a week. Highlighted the financial impact of reduced passenger numbers post-pandemic.

Asked about Avanti’s ability to deliver a full timetable by March, emphasising the importance of overcoming current challenges and focusing on future improvements despite ongoing strikes.

Called for transparency in contract extensions with Avanti and advocated for maintaining flexibility regarding potential transfers to an operator of last resort.

Suggested a name change for the railway to reflect north Wales' strategic importance, aiming to highlight its role in integrating the United Kingdom and enhancing local economies.

Supported efforts towards improving services on the west coast main line and advocated for a more stable operational framework without relying on voluntary rest-day working.

Highlighted issues related to low pay, zero hours contracts, and poor treatment of cleaning contractors, urging the government to address these concerns in light of high inflation rates.

Expresses amazement at the timely debate and acknowledges Virginia Crosbie as the final speaker.

Thanked everyone involved in supporting the debate. Emphasised that constituents deserve a reliable seven-day-a-week rail service without reliance on voluntary work. Urges the Department for Transport to monitor Avanti’s performance and hold them accountable. Stressed the importance of attracting more passengers to ensure the industry's stability. Concluded by stating that Avanti provides an unsatisfactory service, and suggested the Government's efforts are futile.