On Friday night, a Virgin Pendolino train from London to Glasgow was derailed at high speed in Cumbria, killing one passenger. All our thoughts are with the families of those involved.

This morning, I stepped onto a Pendolino at Watford Junction to travel to Chester. I did so without any hesitation. Amazingly, my trains were on time in both directions – impressive given that the west coast main line is closed north of Lancaster. Richard Branson and Network Rail boss John Armitt showed great dignity in responding to the tragedy.

Today’s Guardian leader rightly says we should emphasise how safe our railways are, even after Friday’s accident. Ten people have died on British trains in the last five years, compared with 15,000 deaths on the roads.