The much-criticised Southern Rail is set to be hit by more strikes next week by train union Aslef as an argument between the rail company’s owner Govia Thameslink Railway and trade unions continues to rumble on over the role of conductors. The government called for a more combined approach from rail and track companies with the hope that better co-operation between the companies would lead to more reliable services. Suella Fernandes, MP for Fareham, questioned Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary in the House of Commons about what the plans will mean for passengers. Miss Fernandes asked: ‘Network Rail recently carried out upgrades worth £3m on the line running through Fareham in my constituency. ‘Does the Secretary of State agree that this announcement will mean a greater focus on passengers? ‘There are still so many commuters from Fareham who struggle because of troubles with Southern Rail. ‘A more joined-up and co-ordinated approach will be a step in the right direction towards ensuring that commuters have better journeys to work.’ Mr Grayling replied that ‘joined-up working’ would help deal with issues on Southern and that more money needs to be put into the railway company’s infrastructure. Strikes are planned to take place next Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday with more set for the Christmas period.