Farron urges Prime Minister to begin inquiry in Cumbria train crash

11.00.52am GMT Fri 9th Mar 2007

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale has today written to the Prime Minister, formally urging him to consider initiating a public inquiry into the Cumbria train crash, after it emerged in the interim report that the cause of the accident was the same as that at Potters Bar.

Yesterday, Tim met with Tom Harris, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, where he again urged that a public inquiry be undertaken. He has also written to residents, thanking them for their tremendous efforts both on the night and since, and for their tolerance of the disruption that has now come upon Grayrigg and the surrounding area.

Tim Farron said:

"The similarities between the Grayrigg crash and the Potters Bar tragedy are clear. There are thousands of rail points across the country and it is essential that rail travelers can have complete confidence in all of them at all times".

"The two incidents demonstrate the need for a full public inquiry so that passenger safety can be ensured."