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Train named after railway worker who overturned racist recruitment policy
Maria Magdalena-Xavier (right) and Sheena Xavier stand next to an Avanti West Coast train named in honour of their father, Asquith Xavier, who overturned a racist recruitment policy, October 1, 2023

A TRAIN has been named after a railway worker who overturned a racist recruitment policy, to reflect his “incredible legacy,” Avanti West Coast said today.

In 1966, Asquith Xavier successfully fought against a decision not to employ him as a guard at London’s Euston station because of his ethnicity.

The unofficial policy was known as the colour bar.

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