'Penguins' demand rail fares freeze
Protesters dressed as penguins staged a demonstration outside the Liberal Democrats' annual conference, calling for a freeze on rail fares.The demonstration by the Transport Salaried Staffs Association accused party leader Nick Clegg of breaking an election pledge to cut fares.
The union said fares should be frozen rather than being hiked by 6% in January.
The activists held a giant helium balloon outside the Brighton Conference Centre bearing the message "Nick: You're Nicked For The Great Train Robbery - Freeze Rail Fares".
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: "We don't want another insincere apology like Nick Clegg gave to the students he misled over increased tuition fees last week.
"He also misled millions of rail passengers when he clearly stated in his party's manifesto that he would cut rail fares.
"He now has a chance to do something positive on fares which are already the highest in Europe.
"He can simply ask David Cameron to cancel the January increases. It won't be a fares cut but at least it will be a start on reducing the huge burden that the coalition has already imposed on passengers."
"He also misled millions of rail passengers when he clearly stated in his party's manifesto that he would cut rail fares.
"He now has a chance to do something positive on fares which are already the highest in Europe.
"He can simply ask David Cameron to cancel the January increases. It won't be a fares cut but at least it will be a start on reducing the huge burden that the coalition has already imposed on passengers."
© 2013 Press Association