This from Leo Pink...
According to the Thamelink, Southern and Great Northern invitation to tender:
Publicity
The outcome of a rail franchise competition is of national significance within the United Kingdom and is likely to attract public and media attention. Bidders shall not and shall ensure that their Representatives, Affiliates and their Affiliates’ Representatives shall not (i) issue any press notice, press release or statement in relation to the franchise letting process or their Bid without the prior written consent of the Secretary of State; or (ii) use media or communication channels in a way that might reflect adversely and unfairly on the industry, its participants or the integrity or outcome of the competition.
Quite so.
On no account should the integrity of the DfT be questioned, no matter what the outcome of the competition.
Good to see lessons from the West Coast fiasco have been well and truly learned in Marsham Street!
