I should Coco

Beleaguered Network Rail boss Iain Coucher was in grim mood as he gave an address to the railway industry's Fourth Friday networking club.

The only time he broke into a smile was when it became apparent there would be no more questions from the floor at the end.

But at least no one called him "Mr Croucher" as the interviewer did on Monday's Today programme.

Coucher also took the opportunity to make clear that he is more than willing to see the ORR refer Network Rail to the Competition Commission over the level of funding the regulator believes the infrastructure owner needs in CP4.

Referral to the Competition Commission is becoming something of a badge of honour in the railway industry. First the ROSCOs, next NR...