- Shane Andrews criticised after deeply offensive social media posts emerged
The Network Rail diversity champion behind a controversial ‘Pride pillar’ has found himself at the centre of a misogyny row.
Shane Andrews, who chairs Network Rail’s employee network for promoting LGBT inclusion, was criticised after a number of deeply offensive social media posts emerged.
Campaigners said they were ‘horrified’ by the tweets – some of which date back as far as a decade – and include derogatory language towards women and lesbians.
They also include lewd references to then-teenaged Tom Daley, suggestions he would try to photograph a ‘sexy conductor’ without their knowledge and an offensive joke about Anne Frank.
In a recent tweet defending National Rail’s decision to install a ‘Pride pillar’ in London Bridge station, Mr Andrews posted: ‘No time for TERFs [trans-exclusionary radical feminists]. They’re not even worth my energy replying/arguing/debating.
‘Trans people are people, not a subject to be debated. Everyone matters. Trans rights are human rights.’
The word ‘terf’ has been used as a pejorative for feminists who hold gender-critical views.
Mr Andrews was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours Lists for his work to boost inclusivity, referencing his work as a Scout leader. He is no longer a member of the Scouts.
At the time Network Rail described the achievement as ‘instrumental in helping us become more reflective of the communities we serve’.
But campaigners questioned a number of misogynistic posts made by Mr Andrews, including one describing Carole Vorderman as a ‘b***h’.
Another said: ‘I hate Gaby Logan [sic]. Not a clue about rugby. B***** bimbo.’
Other posts include gratuitous sexual remarks about then 17-year-old Olympian Mr Daley as well as vile jokes about child sexual abuse.
One post read: ‘OMG! Tom Daley semi naked on front of this weeks Radio Times. Feels wrong as he’s so young mind, but jee he’s handsome!’
In a bitter irony, it emerged last night Mr Andrews is also on the judges panel at this year’s Women in Rail awards.
Commending Mr Andrews, his biography states his role as Network Rail’s employee inclusion chair adds ‘a vibrant touch to his portfolio’.
‘Shane’s dual roles in the transport realm and as an advocate for LGBT+ inclusion paint a dynamic picture of a leader who not only delivers but also champions the rail industry but a diverse and inclusive future,’ it added.
But last night women’s right’s groups said Mr Andrews’ inclusion on the panel undermined efforts to promote women in Britain’s railways.
Heather Binning of the Women’s Rights Network said: ‘We are horrified by Mr Andrews’ comments on social media. He clearly has a big problem with women and lesbians in particular. Yet Network Rail gave him role where he chaired the LGBT employee Network. Not only that but he is a judge of the Women In Rail awards.
‘How can someone like Andrews’ be truly ‘inclusive’ and understand ‘equality’ if he says such misogynistic, offensive things about women? If he’s saying all this in public, what is he saying behind closed doors in what is already one of the most male-dominated industries.’
The incident is a further embarrassment for Network Rail who have already faced criticism for their Pride pillar at London Bridge station.
Unveiled to mark LGBT+ history month, the pillar featured flags representing ‘gender fluidity’, ‘demisexuality’ and ‘polyamory’.
Critics of the exhibit said the publicly owned railway company had broken its own ‘no political posters’ rule.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: ‘We have become aware of Shane’s posts on X and are looking into the issue with him.’
