EDM 293: Avanti West Coast disruptions

That this House notes the ongoing disruption of train services operated by Avanti West Coast, particularly the frequent cancellation of services on the mainline north of Preston when there is disruption on the line in Scotland, even when it would be perfectly possible to run services to stations between Preston and the Scottish border; regrets the subsequent impact on train operations in Cumbria, north Lancashire and south west Scotland; notes that these disruptions have led to significant inconvenience for commuters, tourists, students and businesses relying on reliable transport links; urges the Secretary of State for Transport to work closely with Avanti West Coast to improve service reliability in Northern England; calls for compensation for affected passengers; and believes that Avanti should lose their franchise if they do not end the practice of unnecessarily cancelling services north of Preston.