Harpenden Tory MP and former Cabinet minister Peter Lilley has attacked Thameslink train drivers as “militants taking co-ordinated action to prevent trains running”. Their “crime” is to exercise their legal and contractual right not to work overtime. “God save us all from a Tory government”, said ASLEF general secretary Keith Norman. “Is compulsory overtime one of the policies they haven’t mentioned yet?” The over-excited Mr Lilley frothed in Parliament about his constituents wanting compensation for disruption “caused by drivers refusing to work overtime or on rest days”. Fortunately, he does not have to suffer in this way himself. In 2007/08, he claimed the full parliamentary £23,083 “second homes” allowance – which is understandable as otherwise he would have to make a full 27-minute journey from Harpenden to London. Perhaps he just doesn’t like trains. Last year, he claimed £2,353 in car mileage. At least we know he drove on sensible routes, as he claimed £109.94 for a sat nav.
