LABOUR: WE'LL NATIONALISES RAIL IN 5 YEARS

Party pledges biggest overhaul of train industry in a generation

- JOHN STEVENS

DECADES of failed rail privatisation would end under a Labour government, with improved journeys for passengers and reduced costs for taxpayers.

Promising "the biggest overhaul in a generation", the party today vows to bring services back into public ownership within five years if it wins the next election.

Great British Railways, a new body, would take over the running of all lines in the first term of a Labour government as existing contracts with private firms expire.

The plan aims to nationalise the network "without the taxpayer paying a penny in compensation costs".

CARBON

Writing in the Mirror, Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh vows to put passengers first by guaranteeing the best prices for tickets.

There will also be automatic refunds if services are delayed and digital season tickets across the network.

The renationalisation will end bumper profits being siphoned off by private firms.

The Mirror understands a new Railways Act would be included in the first King's Speech if Labour wins power. And a Passenger Standards Authority will be set up as a watchdog to fight for consumers.