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Hoon sent sardines |
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The rail passenger campaign group TrainSardine.org has sent the transport secretary, Geoff Hoon, a tin of sardines following the discovery that standing for prolonged periods has been classed by other government departments, as a form of illegal ‘torture’. In July 2008 the British army was criticized by the Joint Human Rights Committee for using standing as a form of illegal torture against civilians. In the UK army personnel are banned from forcing captives to stand for prolonged periods because it is believed to be unacceptable to treat people in this way. The American military still use standing as a torture technique to break down the mental state of individuals. This practice was defended by president George Bush as a legitimate “alternative procedure”. Either way, everyone agrees - being made to stand is ‘torture’. |
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A spokesperson for TrainSardine.org said: “Despite the government’s hardline position with the UK military, ministers seem happy to turn a blind eye to the rail industry practice of forcing prolonged standing - even though train operators add overcrowding to the practice - which multiplies the effects dramatically.” The 2003 House of Commons transport committee report (2003) on overcrowding concluded: “Failure to provide an efficient public transport system means that employers are faced with staff who are tired, stressed and uncomfortable on arrival at the workplace. Lateness at work, loss of productivity, sickness absence, missed and rescheduled meetings, and lost business due to public transport overcrowding and delays, all impose real and significant costs.” In its 2006 report on overcrowding, Passenger Focus, the rail ombudsman, said it believed too little weight has been given to health and safety issues on overcrowded trains. MPs join Sardine campaignTransport Secretary Geoff Hoon was taking questions in the House of Commons when Peter Bone of the main opposition Conservatives whipped out a tin of sardines to make a vivid point. "Do you support the 'In the Can' campaign whereby rail users are encouraged to send a tin of sardines to the chief executive of East Midlands Trains because of the gross overcrowding?" Bone asked. Holding up the tin, he continued: "Or would you agree with me that this tin of sardines would be better presented to you for your inaction and complacency?" Amid laughter in the chamber, Hoon replied: "I'm grateful to you for thinking about my health and welfare by ensuring that I eat oily fish." "Having already received a tin of sardines from one of your colleagues, I would suggest that rather than sending it to me, you send it to an appropriate charity in your constituency."
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