Not appreciating the scale of the flooding event unfolding on Monday morning, Simon Jupp, presumably on his way to Whitehall, took to twitter (X) to complain, in a petulant tone, about the “dithering” and “pitiful” service he received as his train halted beyond Taunton, then reversed back so he could continue his journey via Bristol.

At Bristol, after a delay, his service “joined” another scheduled service etc. etc.

(Had he been wearing the “Ministerial Team Transport” Hi Viz coat, he might have been treated to “bowing and scraping, and tugging of forelocks”, rather than as an incognito member of the public). 

The PPS to the Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, says he wants to see a more resilient railway network in the South West and “won’t stop pushing for more investment from the back benches” (sic).

Welcome to Tory austerity Simon where tax cuts trump investment!

(See his twitter post and selected comments below, particularly from the self-styled “Sir Andrew Barnet” who claims to have been Knighted by Johnson for services to hairdressing).

Because his train was cancelled or delayed for more than an hour, Simon will be able to claim a full refund. Assuming he was travelling at public expense, will he be discounting his travel claim accordingly? – Owl

In fact he was very lucky to complete his journey, many didn’t!

Owl wonders whether he had been following the weather warnings of flooding for his constituents, Devon and, indeed Somerset?

[Monday: All trains in and out of Devon and Cornwall cancelled due to floodingGreat Western Railway are advising customers NOT TO TRAVEL between Bristol Temple Meads, Taunton and Westbury as journeys through the area cannot be guaranteed.]