The RMT is opposing the tendering for the Greater Western franchise under terms of McNulty’s rail review, on the basis that this is unjustified and will lead to unnecessary station closures.

But McNulty’s review has been widely accepted, even if a formal response has not been made. The industry largely agrees that cost savings need to be made, and closing under-used stations is a way to do this whilst inconveniencing as few people as possible.

Although the delay of the command paper could be criticised, it seems as if the terms of the rail review must be implemented as soon as possible in order to gain the most savings.

But could Bob Crow have a point? This Government has become quite adept at following through on policy changes and the introduction of new measures, before they have full approval to do so (the NHS springs to mind).

The importance of using time wisely must be balanced with the lengthy, but necessary process of parliamentary review.