Euro MP Peter Skinner is calling for the Government to “give commuters a break” after it emerged train passengers could face new peak-time fare rises as part of Government plans for the railways.

The proposals unveiled on Thursday could also see guards axed and ticket offices closed, with travellers buying from libraries, Post Offices and shops.

Fares are already higher during the 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm rush hours – yet dearer “super peak” prices for half-hour time slots within those periods are planned.

The Government has already pushed through inflation busting ticket price rises this year and further hikes are planned Read the rest of this article »

Euro MP Peter Skinner is calling for an urgent review of Working Tax Credit cuts after it was revealed that 725 local families could be better off quitting work after changes to tax credits coming into force next month.

In Portsmouth 725 families including 1655 children could lose out. If they cannot find extra work, these families will lose their whole Working Tax Credit worth £3,870, leaving them worse off in work than they would be on benefits.

Peter Skinner MEP, a Labour economics spokesperson in the European Parliament, said:

“David Cameron and Nick Clegg can’t do their sums. They have created a scenario in which hundreds of Portsmouth families will lose £73 per week, and will in fact be better off if they don’t work. Read the rest of this article »

Peter Skinner MEP has spoken out on International Women’s Day to highlight the impact Tory-led Government cuts are having on women cross the South East.

“One of the key themes of International Women’s Day is ‘Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures’. But I fear women are being let down and disproportionally affected by the Tory-led Government cuts which have given us the highest female unemployment for 23 years.

“On top of that women are more likely to suffer as a result of pension changes and are losing out through cuts to children’s services, pregnancy grants and Working Tax Credits. David Cameron’s Government is turning the clock back on women’s equality.”

Eurostar passengers travelling through the Channel Tunnel 250 feet under the seabed will soon be able to able to use their mobile phones.

The new signal technology should be installed on the south tunnel in time for the London Olympics and will put an end to the 23 mile undersea blackout between Folkestone and Calais. Coverage on the north tunnel will follow later in the year. 2G and 3G coverage will be provided.

The planned upgrades follow a €14 million deal between Eurotunnel, the company which operates the Channel Tunnel, and French telecom operators Bouygues Telecom, Orange SFR and Free.

Peter Skinner MEP:

“As a regular Eurostar traveller I’m delighted to hear that signal under the sea will soon be a reality. Many of us rely on mobile phones and Read the rest of this article »