At least 1400 skilled jobs lost thanks to government

[Tony]

And yet the rail network has seen record passenger and freight growth since privatisation.

 

Clearly the fault isn't with privatisation.

[taxman]

And yet the rail network has seen record passenger and freight growth since privatisation.

 

Clearly the fault isn't with privatisation.

 

When needs must.

 

Just think how many more people would use rail if it was cheaper and there were more carriages.

[Tony]

This article in yesterdays Guardian lays the decline in the UK train building industry squarely at the door of Thatchers privatisation on British Rail Engineering Ltd (BREL) in the '80's:

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jul/11/decline-britains-train-manufacturing-industry

 

While talking about the decline of UK train building, the "article" forgets to mention the building of a new train factory and the creation of 2000 train building jobs on Tyneside by the winners of the competition that Bombardier lost.

[chem1st]

I wonder how much a train will cost when we are no longer in a position to manufacture them at short notice???

[dosxuk]

I wonder how much a train will cost when we are no longer in a position to manufacture them at short notice???

 

We're not now. The green trains seen in lots of the media that Bombardier are currently building were ordered in 2007, for delivery in 2010.

[tinfoilhat]

I also think, possibly not this case specifically, that people think foreign is better. Example: "nice handbag" "it's Italian". Or even "see you've got a new manager" "it's Italian, better than the rubbish one we had before" "English was it ? "

 

It used to be sliced bread now it's croissants and paninis. No, it's not the governments fault, it's ours. We don't seem to want to produce the best anymore, and as a result (or maybe the cause of it) we aren't that proud of our country and what it produces.

[chem1st]

from 1st oct 2011 all agency workers in this country will have to work 12 weeks before they will be eligible for the same rights as workers employed "on the books". yet if you work in say france,germany for example the same rights start on day one so why arnt we the same

 

A2 nationals will still be denied access to benefits and social(ish) housing unless they have worked consistently for a period of one year.

 

Hence the introduction to Sheffield for asylum seekers directs people to housing/homeless charities and the social housing sector. Whilst A2 nationals are advised of places to rent.

 

The more classes the easier the control.

 

Middle class vs working class.

 

Yet Middle classes are Britain's new homeless: State safety nets are gone

[Tony]

I also think, possibly not this case specifically, that people think foreign is better. Example: "nice handbag" "it's Italian". Or even "see you've got a new manager" "it's Italian, better than the rubbish one we had before" "English was it ? "

 

It used to be sliced bread now it's croissants and paninis. No, it's not the governments fault, it's ours. We don't seem to want to produce the best anymore, and as a result (or maybe the cause of it) we aren't that proud of our country and what it produces.

 

Siemens are making the trains in their factory in Tyneside. Geordies have a bit of an accent but they are definitely British.