Thameslink has once again been criticised but this time for being insensitive to disabled travellers.

The train company was slammed by unions and groups representing disabled people for telling staff not to attempt to put 'persons of reduced mobility' on a train if there was a possibility of delaying the service.

Lord Young of Cookham told the House of Lords the Government had made its views clear to Govia Thameslink Railway, saying the guidance was being replaced.

Liberal Democrat Baroness Brinton, who uses a wheelchair, told the House: "Last week Thames Govia introduced new formal guidance for staff saying that if the train might be delayed or late, the 'passenger with reduced mobility' must not be put on the train, not even if they have pre-booked and arrived in time - the train is now more important."

Lord Young replied: "I have seen the guidance issued by Govia. It is insensitive and unacceptable.

"The Government has made its views clear to GTR. They are withdrawing the guidance and replacing it with guidance which makes it clear that their policy is to assist all passengers safely who need help with their journey.

A GTR spokesman said: "We accept that the wording of an internal leaflet to station staff about helping passengers in the few minutes before a train is due to depart could have been better expressed and it has already been revised.

"We ask all passengers to give themselves plenty of time to arrive ahead of a train's departure as we aim to ensure each service leaves on time for the benefit of all our customers.

Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, said: "It was RMT who blew the whistle on GTR last week over their disgusting attitude to disabled people and the Government are right to be embarrassed by this latest scandal on Britain's privatised railways.

"The union has no intention of letting ministers off the hook despite the mealy-mouthed statements today. GTR should be stripped of the franchise. The only way to guarantee access to our trains is to guarantee there's a guard on board."