Supplementary written evidence from Network Rail and
Great Western Railway (ATL0130)

In the Committee’s evidence session on 13 September 2023 concerning the legal obligations for accessible transport, Mr Howell discussed station facilities with Mick Lynch of the RMT. In response to Question 92, Mr Lynch gave evidence that:  

“I was at Penzance station. Network Rail has already closed the current outlet, which was a family business, in order to bring in corporate multinational companies to sell people very expensive hot drinks that you can get everywhere you go, which is what our country is turning into, in the high street.” 

This is not factually accurate. Great Western Railway is entirely responsible for retail at Penzance Station, not Network Rail. Great Western Railway has served notice on the current coffee tenant, who decided not to sign up to new commercial terms which were discussed some time ago. The new tenant will be the Cornish Rail Coffee co who are already at Liskeard and Bodmin stations. There are no plans to introduce retail anywhere else on the station other than this change in tenant. 

Please could the record be changed to correct the factual accuracy of Mr Lynch’s statement, and put the explanation from Great Western Railway in evidence to the Committee’s inquiry. 

September 2023