To The Hackney Gazette

Last month, I wrote to the Gazette opposing the planned privatisation of the East London Line and challenging Ken Livingstone and TfL to give one good reason why the new 'London Overground' should be run by a private operator. As far as I can see, they have not replied. Perhaps Gazette readers will draw their own conclusions.

Here are five good reasons why it should be run in the public sector:

1. Safety standards are higher in the public sector: private companies cut corners to maximise profits.

2. If the line stays as part of London Underground, it will be properly integrated with the rest of the Tube system.
3. 'London Overground' is an opportunity to bring the North London Line back into the public sector: When South East Trains was run by the public sector after Connex had its franchise removed, its services improved significantly.
4. Rail privatisation is one of the most unpopular policies of the last two decades.
5. The East London Line extension will bring new jobs to Hackney. Local people deserve jobs with decent pay, conditions and pensions - and these are generally better in the publicly-owned London Underground than in the private railway industry.

Janine Booth
President, Hackney TUC