‘I step in to tell people to turn down their phones music,’ Kemi Badenoch tells GB News

Mrs Badenoch was speaking after Andy Burnham unveiled new fines for those who play loud music on phones and questioned why inspectors were not doing so already.

Asked if she had in the past intervened to ask young people to turn down the volume, the Leader of the Opposition replied: “Yes, I have. I’ve even done so in the past.

“I think with young people in particular, when they see a firm adult, they actually do show respect.

“What’s happened now is that so many people are scared of intervening, and it’s because they’ve seen things go wrong where someone intervenes and then they get into trouble. They get into trouble for it.”

She added: “Nobody likes to hear music being blasted loudly on trains.

“But I do worry that the Prime Minister is focusing on something that is already pretty much against the rules, the fines are in place.

“What I worry about is enforcement. Why are people not enforcing that?

“And it’s because the ticket inspectors are scared. The train drivers don’t want to get involved.

“So simply telling them that it’s bad to play music on trains isn’t going to make.”

Mrs Badenoch’s message was to “turn it down”.

She added: “It’s a culture thing. People think that they can get away with it. We need to bring back consequences for bad behaviour”.

Labour is looking to introduce fines of up to £100 for non-compliance in a bid to crack down on nuisance behaviour on public transport.

Ministers will issue guidance to local transport authorities in England under the new plan.

They will advise on how to use new powers granted under the Bus Services Act.

Mr Burnham said in a statement: “We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone.

“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey.

“So, we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains.

“On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.

“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”

Opinion polls suggest between 60 per cent and 80 per cent of UK adults support crackdowns and fines for passengers who play loud music, videos or use speakerphones.

London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan unveiled his own campaign this summer, urging passengers across the capital to “travel kind” by wearing headphones.

The Liberal Democrats have also called for disruptive passengers to face £1,000 fines.