I am happy to give my full support to the People's Rail campaign, a new campaign which aims to give the British public real power over its rail network, and to do so through co-operative structures.

Long-suffering rail users deserve better than a network run for the convenience of managers, with no one taking responsibility when things go wrong. We call on Network Rail to change the way it's run, to give real control to passengers and the public.

Recent events have led many to doubt whether the governance of Network Rail is as strong as it should be. At a time when we may have expected the management to be under serious pressure after their failure over the New Year, the Board’s response has been to reward them with massive bonuses.

 As a Labour and Co-operative MP, I know only too well the benefits that consumer ownership can bring. Through making organisations accountable to their users and other stakeholders, it has been demonstrated that we can not only strengthen citizenship, but also build services based on the needs of the people that they serve.

You can play your part. Visit our campaign website here  to send your message of support. You can download the People's Rail Charter, find images for your website and tell your friends. Look out for events in your area for the campaign and let us know if you have any ideas to keep the pressure on Network Rail.

Read Mark's opinion piece in the Edinburgh Evening News here

See also news coverage of the campaign in the Guardian and on the BBC.