MP Tom Brake has hit out at Southern Rail after they were fined £13.4 million for poor performance.

The Carshalton & Wallington MP said: "The Southern dispute needs a radical solution. In the short term, the Liberal Democrats are proposing that the Department for Transport take over Southern Rail.

“A tough measure such as this will make it clear to the other companies running rail services that when they fail their customers, they will be sacked too.”

He called the fine to Southern as an “insult” to commuters who he believes have endured delays, cancellations and overcrowding “for far too long”.

"Whilst Southern continue to provide the worst performing service in the country, they got off with just a slap on the wrist. This fine will do nothing to reassure millions that the Government are taking the situation seriously," Mr Brake added.

The Liberal Democrat MP said that the long term solution he wants is for the Transport for London to be responsible for suburban rail services.