Voice of the Mirror: We welcome Boris Johnson's plan to put railways back into public hands

We welcome Boris Johnson’s plan to take the railways back into public control.

This newspaper has always believed that public services should be in public hands, run for the people, not for profit.

Too much railway track has already been abandoned and too many bus routes closed because they are deemed uneconomical for the owners to run.

What they mean is they are not the cash cows bosses and shareholders demand.

Yet trains and buses make the wheels of the nation go round, boosting the overall economy.

Rail could come back into public ownership (PA)

And public good should always come before lining private pockets. This is an admission that the whole Tory privatisation programme has been an expensive failure. We look forward to the utilities following the railways.

Privatised rail has been a disaster. Trains late or cancelled. Rubbish rolling stock. And yet still soaking up massive public subsidies.

Taking over rail companies when the franchises run out is a good idea. Which is why Labour thought of it first and the Tories have stolen it.

Boris is stealing a key Labour policy (PA)

The new system would be based on not-for-profit Mersey Rail and Transport for London.

But if we had our way, Mr Johnson would go further. This stops short of full-scale nationalisation.

And that is what is required if our public services are to properly serve the public who use them.

Shame on Army

LCpl Bernard Morgan's death is a riddle (mirrorpix.com)

For a soldier to die in his room at a busy barracks and his body not to be found for three weeks is appalling.

And for his grieving widow to be kept in the dark by the Army about what happened
is inexcusable.

All Beth Mongan knows about her husband Bernie is that he is no longer there for her and their three young daughters.

And it is cruel beyond measure of the Army not to alleviate Beth’s suffering by telling her what they do know. Which is why this whole tragic and mysterious affair stinks of a cover-up.

That suspicion is only aggravated by ­allegations that Bernie was a victim of violent bullying.

The Army prides itself in the motto: “No man left behind.” They left Bernie behind.

And no stone should be left unturned in bringing those responsible to book.

Lags come clean

HMP Lindholme, Hatfield, Doncaster (Alamy Stock Photo)

 

 

When HMP Doncaster cleaners began skiving, there were no dirty protests from the lags.

Instead the prisoners rolled up their sleeves, got down on their hands and knees, and did the job themselves.

It gives a whole new meaning to being behind bars. Behind bars of soap.