Natasha Asghar
Regional Member · Welsh Conservative · Wales
“I am aware that we have limited time, Deputy Presiding Officer, but I wanted to refer to one of the recommendations before closing. Recommendation 8 refers to the appointment of the former president of Museum Wales to a new role reviewing Cadw.”
“And I believe that it would be beneficial for the Cabinet Secretary to also outline what discussions were taken within the Government prior to this appointment about the risks and whether other board members within Cadw at the time were consulted on their thoughts about whether this was an appropriate appointment, given that the work requ…”
“It is therefore shocking to me that the Welsh Government rejected recommendation 3 of the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee report, which advised the implementation of a system to review grievance procedures at arm's-length and sponsored bodies to ensure that they are robust and fit for purpose.”
“Cabinet Secretary, Labour's decision to drastically hike national insurance contributions in the recent budget has caused a lot of anxiety and concern in the hospitality industry, a sector that has already been under immense pressure before this move.”
“We know that the committee's report comes within a wider background of recent cuts to the national museum's budget under Vaughan Gething's previous leadership, which as we all know led to serious discussions and concerns about the potential closure of the national museum in Cardiff.”
“Labour Ministers here, as we know, slashed rate relief, from 75 per cent to a mere 40 per cent for retail and hospitality businesses, and, as we saw recently, the UK Labour Government followed suit and dropped rate relief to 40 per cent.”
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“With the Welsh Government having arm's-length oversight, there is a responsibility here, Deputy Presiding Officer, to support and advise organisations such as Museum Wales in the recruitment of senior board members and executives and to actually learn from these lessons so that taxpayers always receive value for their money and to avoid future disputes for the overall future operation of this very important organisation. Thank you.”
“And I believe that it would be beneficial for the Cabinet Secretary to also outline what discussions were taken within the Government prior to this appointment about the risks and whether other board members within Cadw at the time were consulted on their thoughts about whether this was an appropriate appointment, given that the work required was, indeed, alongside the former president. To conclude, Deputy Presiding Officer, we often hear a lot about lessons being learned, but I sincerely hope that this is not just lip service. This industry, the governance within it and the ongoing financial hardships are too grave to make such financial losses on disputes that could have clearly been managed differently and, perhaps, even prevented.”
“I am aware that we have limited time, Deputy Presiding Officer, but I wanted to refer to one of the recommendations before closing. Recommendation 8 refers to the appointment of the former president of Museum Wales to a new role reviewing Cadw. The recommendation itself advises the Welsh Government to provide the committee with the circumstances in which the former president was appointed to the role and a timeline for that appointment. Whilst it was, and I quote, accepted in principle, I believe that the justification of the recruitment for this role at Cadw being time-limited and his capacity in the task and finish group not being classed as a public appointment are quite frankly weak arguments, considering the context of the gravity of this dispute.”
“It is therefore shocking to me that the Welsh Government rejected recommendation 3 of the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee report, which advised the implementation of a system to review grievance procedures at arm's-length and sponsored bodies to ensure that they are robust and fit for purpose. So, with this in mind, Cabinet Secretary, considering the severity of both the committee and auditor general's concerns, could you please outline in your response what steps the Welsh Government has taken to ensure that appropriate support and guidance, as well as advice, has been given to the national museum of Wales in terms of grievance policies to ensure that a situation like this never ever happens again?”
“As we know, the auditor general's report delves into detail, highlighting firstly that Museum Wales did not have adequate policies in place to deal with concerns raised by senior officers; secondly, that the employment dispute adversely affected their governance arrangements between September 2021 and November 2022; and thirdly, the legal costs were just shy of £420,000 to simply resolve a dispute. That figure does not take into account the amount spent on a settlement agreement, the cost of which the auditor general referred to as, and I quote, 'novel, contentious and repercussive'.”
“We know that the committee's report comes within a wider background of recent cuts to the national museum's budget under Vaughan Gething's previous leadership, which as we all know led to serious discussions and concerns about the potential closure of the national museum in Cardiff. At the end of last year, we also heard about severe funding shortages, which predated these cuts, resulting in a £90 million repair backlog, covering all of the museum sites and urgent works totalling £25 million at the national museum in Cardiff alone. This wider context of funding shortages and difficult decisions, as with many public sector organisations, make the report and its findings all the more difficult to read.”
“I'd like to start by thanking the committee clerks, fellow Members, the Chair, and those who contributed and helped put this report together. I do wholeheartedly agree with Adam Price. Our culture and arts industry, alongside history, are vital assets to Wales, and I honestly believe that we owe it to our younger generations and the people of Wales at large to prioritise the maintenance and upkeep of facilities such as those of the national museum in Wales. It is because of this belief that I stand by the notion that competent governance at organisations such as Museum Wales is so important.”
“Labour Ministers here, as we know, slashed rate relief, from 75 per cent to a mere 40 per cent for retail and hospitality businesses, and, as we saw recently, the UK Labour Government followed suit and dropped rate relief to 40 per cent. Well, I guess we can now also add business owners onto the ever-growing list of people that are on Labour's hitlist, alongside pensioners and farmers. So, Cabinet Secretary, with extra funding making its way to the Welsh Government's coffers, will this Government commit to reinstating relief to 75 per cent, to sincerely support this important sector at this very difficult time? Thank you.”
“Cabinet Secretary, Labour's decision to drastically hike national insurance contributions in the recent budget has caused a lot of anxiety and concern in the hospitality industry, a sector that has already been under immense pressure before this move. I've spoken to many businesses in my region of south-east Wales about the impact this decision will have on them, and, believe me, Cabinet Secretary, it's not a pretty picture at all. One particular business I've spoken to revealed that additional net costs will be more than £180,000 in 2025-26. Businesses here in Wales have already been punished, with the highest business rates in Great Britain, and Labour's greatest budget is quite frankly an absolute betrayal.”
“I also noticed that she asked a local business lady, 'Do you have insurance?' I appreciate that the Welsh Government is going to be giving grants of £500 and £1,000 to households, but what support will be made available for businesses and organisations, as well as sports clubs, like the one I've just mentioned? Naturally, Newport High School Old Boys is desperate for financial support, Deputy First Minister, so is there any further assistance that you can give and provide to this fantastic club, who, like so many, have suffered due to the flooding? Thank you.”
“And finally, Cabinet Secretary, I want to touch upon a devastating experience at a rugby club in Newport, which has been left in ruin after their pitches and clubhouse were flooded. Newport High School Old Boys RFC is still recovering financially from storm Dennis back in 2020. Following this devastating storm, in the midst of COVID, the club was unable to get insured, meaning that they are now having to front the cost of repairs this time around themselves. Deputy First Minister, I watched you and the First Minister out in action yesterday, and I must commend you for it.”
“Time and time we hear in the Chamber, hear from the Welsh Government, about how committed Ministers are to ensuring coal tip communities are safe, but, evidently, not enough has been done. You said in your statement earlier, Deputy First Minister, that you will set up a new public body and introduce a new consistent and robust system of assessment, categorisation, monitoring et cetera, et cetera. So, when exactly is this going to be set up? What is your deadline? In your statement, you mentioned incoming legislation, you mentioned funds from Welsh Water, and emphasised the £25 million from the Welsh Government. But will this funding be enough to get to grips with the issue, because I genuinely have concerns that it's not going to be enough?”
“Thank you so much, Deputy First Minister, for this afternoon's statement. I'd like to echo what everyone has said in this room today. My thoughts, first and foremost, are with every single person affected by storm Bert, in every single corner of Wales. And I must pay tribute as well to all of the emergency service workers for their tireless work over the weekend and beyond, because, unfortunately, it's not over yet. Many of my colleagues in the Chamber today have spoken about the residents in Cwmtillery, who were forced out of their homes because of a landslip. Now, we all are aware that the coal tip has been deemed a category B, and I'm not here to scaremonger anyone, but, as my colleague mentioned earlier, it could indeed happen again.”
“However, the best accountant in the world can even agree that this money isn't going to last forever. So, I'd like you to, please, outline the specific steps this Welsh Government will be taking to ensure that the shocking statistics that I've just shared here today will not become a reality, as, right now, the Welsh Government is letting down a generation that have worked their whole lives to contribute to our society here in Wales.”
“Cabinet Secretary, just last week in this Chamber, you said, and I quote, 'we continue to support all those at risk of falling into fuel poverty.' But I can't imagine this Welsh Government has looked that far ahead, as, according to Age Cymru's research, by 2035, 45 per cent of households in Wales could be in fuel poverty. Now, we all know that 86 per cent of pensioners are either in poverty or just above the poverty line itself. So, they're not set to receive any more in winter fuel payments due to the decision of the UK Labour Government, and it doesn't seem a very compassionate measure from the party that is supposedly built on equality and fairness. So, Cabinet Secretary, you did mention to my colleague, Mark Isherwood, in your response, £500,000 and £700,000 that has been given by the Welsh Government.”
“Cabinet Secretary, can I ask for a statement from you regarding support for Welsh pensioners this winter? Just last week, I met with Age Cymru and pensioners from my region in south-east Wales, which was, quite frankly, one of the most grounding meetings that I've had to date in this job. I heard a story of a cancer patient who was fearful for her health and life, as she knows it is just above the threshold when it comes to money that she has in her account and will now not be able to afford to keep her heating on in the winter months. I also heard a story of a couple who'd worked their whole lives to enjoy retirement, yet now have higher bills and are having to give up everything they enjoy to be able to keep their heating on in the winter. The list, honestly, goes on, and stories were heartbreaking.”
“With this in mind, First Minister, what is the Welsh Government doing to clamp down on this abhorrent behaviour and harassment towards women and girls, to make them feel comfortable and confident whilst travelling on buses and services, and that ultimately the threat of harassment is not going to be a devastating hindrance that is going to hold them back from using public services? Thank you.”
“Can I thank Hannah Blythyn for asking this really important question here today? First Minister, sexual harassment is far too common in and out of the workplace. In 2021, Welsh Women's Aid found that four in five women in Wales have experienced some form of workplace sexual harassment. This can include anything from degrading comments and unwanted propositions to unwelcome advances and inappropriate jokes. It is quite frankly despicable that in 2024 we are still in a position where so many women and girls are made to feel uncomfortable going into work just because of this behaviour. But this is not just a work issue, Presiding Officer, and also First Minister. We know that many women and girls feel uncomfortable, even scared, to travel alone on public transport due to previous experiences of sexual harassment.”
“In addition to this, Presiding Officer, I do believe there's a real issue in some cases with the law keeping up with the rate at which technology is advancing. We do all live in a world where, sadly, there is plenty of racism, sexism, misogyny, and online predatory behaviour. Therefore, we must ensure that the law is strong enough to protect us all, but particularly our children and young people, who are at a greater risk of harm when it comes to those wishing to take advantage on social media platforms. Presiding Officer, whilst I'm on limited time today, I just wanted to close by thanking Gareth again for bringing this debate forward. I do hope this is an area we continue to have an open debate on, and also carry on discussing these issues in depth going forward. Thank you very much.”
“I know that in my region of South Wales East I have had countless constituents contact me in regard to digital exclusion, whether that has been about the increasing number of closures of high-street banks or the inability to renew concessionary travel passes online. Presiding Officer, whilst technology affords us many opportunities, I fear that so much of our lives being online has left more room for the older generations in particular to be left behind. Whilst I am in no way, shape or form an advocate for more big-state Government intervention, I do believe this Government has a duty of care to work with businesses and stakeholders, as outlined by Gareth in his contribution. They must use innovative solutions to keep services inclusive and positively evolving going forward.”
“I'd like to start by thanking my colleague Gareth Davies for bringing forward this really important short debate today. Without a doubt, we all know our society continues to change at a rapid speed. Technology is constantly evolving, from the development of AI to the rapid uptake of social media channels. However, with unprecedented changes comes the unknown, and as a society we have to adapt incredibly quickly, whilst not knowing what's next, often resulting in the older generation feeling and being left behind. Many have said to me that they feel, as Gareth put beautifully, like a piece on a chess board, and he mentioned this in great depth in his contribution.”
“But, as far as I’m concerned, her lack of words showed that, deep down, she knows that this policy was a very grave mistake. So, Cabinet Secretary, will you stand up for Wales, in the absence of any of your colleagues doing so, and admit that this cut was a grave mistake, and fight tooth and nail to get it reinstated for the benefit of each and every resident who needs it here in Wales?”
“Cabinet Secretary, Labour’s disgusting decision to scrap winter fuel payments will hit some 540,000 pensioners across Wales, including nearly 100,000 in my region of South Wales East alone. This Welsh Labour Government has yet again let the people of Wales down, and in particular our pensioners, by not doing the morally right thing just by speaking out against this cruel attack. Last week, the First Minister proudly boasted that the Government had invested £1.5 million in warm hubs across the country to keep residents warm this winter. It’s a damning indictment of Labour that these sorts of centres are even being established in 2024. The First Minister refused to be drawn on whether she was proud of her Government’s decision to withdraw winter fuel payments—a move that will lead to 4,000 premature deaths here in the UK.”
“Passengers potentially face being slapped with a fine because of this sheer failure. So, Cabinet Secretary, will you please instruct Transport for Wales to look into this as a matter of urgency to rectify this issue ASAP? Thank you.”
“Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. We've spoken several times in the past about Transport for Wales’s penalty fare zone expansion and the issues it is causing for passengers, particularly when it comes to concessionary passes. However, the problem hasn’t exactly been rectified, Cabinet Secretary. Signs have been put up at the Severn tunnel junction warning people that they run the risk of being fined if they board the train without a ticket. On the signage it says that if you cannot buy a ticket online and the station office is closed then you must get a ‘promise to pay’ ticket from the platform machine. Yet despite these signs at this very station there is no option on the machines to get a ‘promise to pay’ ticket, leaving travellers in a rather precarious position.”
“7. A wnaiff yr Ysgrifennydd Cabinet roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am ehangu parth taliadau cosb Trafnidiaeth Cymru? OQ61867”
“So, with that in mind, Cabinet Secretary, I’d really like to know what the Welsh Government is doing to support victims of hit-and-run incidents, and how the Government is going to be working with key stakeholders to clamp down on these crimes, going forward. Thank you.”
“Cabinet Secretary, just last week, the Motor Insurers' Bureau released data collected over two years, which has unveiled that, on average, every 20 minutes, someone is hit by an uninsured or a hit-and-run driver in the UK. They’ve also found that, so far this year, 115,000 uninsured drivers have had their vehicles seized. The horrific, traumatic and physical impacts of injuries from these incidents are huge, and often even more distressing when considering the perpetrators of these incidents have fled the scene and just left victims on their own to process what, indeed, has just happened. As well as this, it is significant to note that injuries caused by hit-and-run drivers are estimated to cost the economy almost £2.5 billion a year in emergency services, medical care, and loss of productivity and human cost.”
“So, Cabinet Secretary, a year on from the Senedd report that branded Wales’s progress in getting more EVs on the road, and I quote, 'embarrassing', I would be grateful if you could please shed some light on what the Welsh Government has done to improve the situation. And I’d be curious to know if you’ve been looking at similar initiatives from other countries as some form of inspiration. Thanks.”
“Now, I'm not deluded—the chances of this Labour Government rolling out something similar to that may be pretty far-flung, given it is a major challenge to get your party to invest in our current roads, let alone building new ones. But other countries are, indeed, leading the way when it comes to electric vehicle charging points, Cabinet Secretary. Norway has more than 34,000 charging points across the country, with a goal of hitting 500,000 by 2030. And the Netherlands has one of the highest densities of public charging stations, with a ratio of one station to every five electric cars.”
“Thank you so much, Cabinet Secretary. I look forward to seeing your experience on social media. Cabinet Secretary, it was recently revealed that purchases of pure electric cars—in fact, used cars—have reached record levels, with more than 50,000 cars changing hands between July and September this year. However, it has been warned that a lack of charging infrastructure is causing motorists some nervousness, and this could, indeed, be putting them off from making the switch. As you know, I've consistently been pushing for more charging points to be rolled out all across Wales, and I have started looking at other countries around the world to see what they're doing. One country that really has caught my eye was Sweden, with plans afoot to build the world's first e-highway in Stockholm.”
“The group is working to turn this historical defunct landmark into Europe's longest walking and cycling tunnel, which would transform it into a must-see attraction, enticing both locals and tourists from further afield. This truly remarkable initiative could be delivered with just under £15 million-worth of funding. Cabinet Secretary, the group would be delighted to meet with you, to share their plans and take you down the tunnel. However, if you don't fancy putting on your wellies and getting stuck in the mud, I'm sure an online meeting or somewhere above ground would be greatly appreciated by the society. Either way, Cabinet Secretary, will you agree to meeting with the society, to find out a bit more and explore what steps the Welsh Government can indeed take to get the ball rolling? Thank you.”
“Thank you so much, Presiding Officer. Cabinet Secretary, it's not often that I stray too far from my region of south-east Wales. However, I recently crossed the border and headed to Rhondda Cynon Taf, donning a boiler suit. With my transport hat on, I met with the fantastic Rhondda Tunnel Society, a group that I know has the backing and support of my colleague and their local MS Joel James. Many people believe the life of an MS is glamorous, but, having delved 1,000 ft underground, crawled through plenty of mud, and re-emerged looking like I'd been dragged through a hedge backwards, I certainly beg to differ. Regardless of my dishevelled state, it was a truly fantastic visit, and the society have a grand vision for Rhondda tunnel, which, if delivered, will really put the area on the map.”
“It employs more than 3,500 people, directly contributing £305 million to our economy, and it enables wider growth, with bus users able to spend £705 million in communities across the country as a result of their journey. Yet buses have been under immense pressure because of poor funding, with bus operators facing a bill of between £800 to £1,000 per employee as a result of Labour's national insurance increase. The industry does need genuine immediate support. So, First Minister, with an extra £1.7 billion coming to Wales as a result of the UK budget, will you commit to us here in this Chamber that you will be providing an additional £18 million of funding to support this very important sector? Thank you.”
“First Minister, you mentioned in your previous answer in relation to the bus Bill, and I, alongside many of my colleagues, look forward to scrutinising the bus Bill when it eventually comes before us—. But there's no shadow of a doubt that our bus industry really needs a helping hand right now. Wales is the only part of the United Kingdom where bus passenger numbers have not reached, let alone exceeded, pre-pandemic levels. Here in Wales we have seen nothing rolled out in incentivised bus travel, unlike England with a cap on fares, and Scotland's free travel for under 22s. The importance of the bus sector cannot be underestimated.”
“So, will the Government work with the key stakeholders, even the ones that you mentioned in your previous answer, to see what can be done to help those individuals and businesses truly bounce back? Thank you.”
“Abergavenny naturally has an incredible community spirit, and it's been a heartwarming exercise to see locals rally around and do what they can to help, including launching online fundraising efforts left, right and centre. Cabinet Secretary, I do appreciate your previous answers to my colleague setting out the Welsh Government's position, because I believe we all do sincerely have an opportunity to help. So, I'd like to know what conversations Ministers, particularly yourself, have had with Monmouthshire County Council to ensure that they are in the best possible position to provide help and support. As you mentioned previously in your answer, there are various groups and organisations, but it is also imperative that we support businesses, especially in the run-up to Christmas.”
“Cabinet Secretary, like so many others around this Chamber, I was left devastated by the truly awful scenes that we saw unfold in Abergavenny on Sunday night. Understandably, the community has been left in complete shock, with homes lost, businesses destroyed and, obviously, as my colleague Peredur Owen Griffiths said earlier, the Magic Cottage children's charity losing absolutely everything. Presiding Officer, I'm incredibly grateful and thankful that there were no casualties, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the 100 plus firefighters who tackled the flames, and each and every single person who's played a part in supporting those affected.”
“I'd also really like to know and understand more as to how often safety checks are carried out on all new and old TfW trains, and if any directions have been given by Welsh Government to TfW to increase and strengthen these checks as a result of this tragic incident. And I'm also very curious to know, Cabinet Secretary, if any further issues with other TfW trains have been identified since this collision took place. Because, as I'm sure we can all appreciate, steps must be taken to ensure that passenger safety is paramount and the No. 1 priority is to ensure that something like this never ever happens again. Thank you.”
“I'd like to thank my colleague Peredur Owen Griffiths for raising this really important question this afternoon. My thoughts remain, as I'm sure do those of my colleagues as well, with the loved ones of David Tudor Evans and all those involved in this horrible incident. Cabinet Secretary, it is clear from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch's initial findings that the train's emergency braking system, made up of sanding hoses, was blocked—my colleagues have mentioned that already—and I appreciate that you cannot speculate, but I would really sincerely appreciate it if you could look into what actually caused the blockage. I know you mentioned slipperiness—I appreciate all of those things—but I'd like to know why it wasn't actually picked up in the checks before the train journey actually took off.”
“So, Cabinet Secretary, what assurance can you give me today that you will work with the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government to support brilliant hubs like this to ensure a holistic approach is indeed taken in education, where both young people and adults can enhance vital skill sets whilst benefiting their communities at large? Thank you.”
“Thank you so much, Cabinet Secretary. The Ebbw Vale Institute in Blaenau Gwent is a cherished community asset that currently provides an array of services, two of which are work experience programmes and volunteering opportunities. Both are, indeed, a vital part of building a well-rounded education as well as setting people up from all ages and backgrounds for work and building self-esteem, additionally benefiting the local community. But, Cabinet Secretary, just like so many various prosperous local assets, the Ebbw Vale Institute community hub offering these services has relied quite a lot on levelling-up funding. However, in the wake of the new Government taking over management of the site, I'm naturally concerned about the future.”
“So, Cabinet Secretary, do you agree with me that this cloak-and-dagger approach is entirely unacceptable, and will you commit to ensuring that councils are as open and transparent as possible with the people that they serve? After all, public funds are, indeed, their money.”
“Thank you so much, Cabinet Secretary. As I mentioned just previously, physically, times are tough for everybody. Therefore, I'm sure that you would have been appalled, as I was, when hearing the recent revelation that Caerphilly County Borough Council has awarded their ex-CEO a £209,000 pay-off in a deal drawn up behind closed doors. Cabinet Secretary, that's a staggering amount of money and could pay for just shy of seven doctors' salaries per year, including pay increments as well. And I think this figure does put everything into perspective for all of us. I'm sure my constituents in Caerphilly would rather that this money was, in fact, spent on more nurses or doctors or, in fact, anything else that would, indeed, be to the local authority's benefit, but not on just a golden handshake for a soon-to-be ex-employee.”
“8. Beth y mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ei wneud i sicrhau bod awdurdodau lleol yn cyflawni eu dyletswyddau statudol yn effeithiol? OQ61805”
“Thank you so much, Deputy Presiding Officer. Cabinet Secretary, physically, times are tough and we know that our local authorities have been stretched beyond belief. When it comes—. Sorry, I do apologise, I didn't ask my first question. I'm so sorry.”
“She said, and I quote: 'The Bill is the embodiment of the same old Labour mantra that anything run by the state is simply better than anything run by the private sector, and that the answer to a problem is putting politicians in charge, when it has been proven time and again that that is not the case.' Thank you, acting Presiding Officer.”
“I fear it is a hastily put together piece of legislation, made up of nothing more than left-wing ideology. There has been no indication from the UK Government on how this Bill will actually benefit passengers, and even the Secretary of State for Wales admitted there is no guarantee this will indeed lead to cheaper fares or more reliable services, so I fail to see the point of it. This Bill will stifle competition between businesses, and that is not something that Welsh Conservatives can support this afternoon. I want to finish by sharing the remarks of my Westminster colleague Helen Whately, as I believe she perfectly sums this Bill up—and I don't think I could have put it better myself. And it would do well for the ex-shadow transport Secretary to listen to this carefully.”
“A report on rail services and Transport for Wales's performance, published earlier this year, deemed high service cancellation rates and low passenger satisfaction scores were a common theme with TfW. More than £2 million has been paid out in compensation by Transport for Wales since 2018, and let's not forget Labour Ministers had to hand over £125 million straight from the public purse to TfW. Does this really sound like a glowing example of what nationalised rail should look like? Instead of looking at Wales and seeing the poor offering our residents have to put up with, the new Labour Government in Westminster wants to replicate this across the board. For me, personally, as well as my group, passengers should always be at the heart of any rail reform, but it does not seem to be the case at the heart of this Bill.”
“We of course all want to see improvements made to railway services for the benefit of passengers, but is taking operations into public ownership the right course of action? I'm extremely sceptical, actually, and do not believe it's a step in the right direction at all. In the past, Transport for Wales has been hailed as a fantastic example of what publicly owned rail looks like. [ Interruption .] Of course, we'd expect to hear that tagline from Labour politicians, who seem to be sitting there saying the same thing, as Transport for Wales has been your golden child for quite some time now. But, in reality, TfW's track record should be enough to put people off for life from pursuing the nationalisation of rail.”