The Latest Breaking News from Jamie Driscoll

Thursday briefing: How the north’s rail services went off track

In today’s newsletter: Perhaps nowhere in the UK are trains more in a crisis than in the north of England, where problems are thought to be costing the region up to £400m a year. What could be done to fix it?

The Guardian - UK · Dec 1, 2022

Commuter says she regularly forks out £50 for taxis A DAY amid chaos on the railways

The Transport Secretary will meet mayors in Manchester today - but one won't be there because of short-notice cancellations

Manchester Evening News · Dec 1, 2022

Calls for rail companies to be stripped of contracts over 'diabolical' cancellations across the North

One North East mayor was unable to get to Manchester for a key meeting with the transport secretary because he feared being stranded on a platform amid widespread cancellations

Chronicle Live · Nov 30, 2022

North's rail network 'unacceptable' as Northern mayors call on PM to treat rail 'chaos' as emergency

Jamie Driscoll and four more Labour mayors from the North were involved in an emergency meeting on Thursday and are calling on the Government to "haul operators to the table" to sort out the current rail "chaos"

Chronicle Live · Oct 28, 2022

Mayor's plea for 'stability' to get £3bn North East devolution deal done as Tory leadership race kicks off

The arrival of another new Prime Minister is the latest potential stumbling block to a long-awaited deal to reunite the North East's councils under a new mayor

Chronicle Live · Oct 21, 2022

Transport bosses in talks over 'rail academy for the North' to help solve staff shortage crisis

Plan could create a pipeline of skilled workers to fill gaps on North's railways

Manchester Evening News · Oct 13, 2022

'The damage is already done' – Truss and Kwarteng branded 'incompetent' after 45p tax rate U-turn

One North East MP accused the government of having "lost all credibility" after dropping plans to cut the top rate of income tax for the highest earners

Chronicle Live · Oct 3, 2022

Hundreds gather in Newcastle for 'Enough is Enough' rally as Hairy Bikers star Si King gives moving speech

Hairy Bikers star Si King was among those who delivered a heartfelt speech to crowds in Newcastle

Chronicle Live · Oct 1, 2022

Mayor issues warning over low-tax 'investment zones' that could be coming to the North East

Jamie Driscoll fears that the Government's plans could simply displace jobs from one area to another

Chronicle Live · Sep 23, 2022

Liz Truss plans to cap energy bills at £2,500 will 'place burden on working people', Newcastle MP warns

Labour wanted the bills freeze to be paid for via a windfall tax on energy giants, not by borrowing

Chronicle Live · Sep 11, 2022