PM signals review of rail amid fears chaos could benefit Labour

THERESA MAY is considering launching a major review into Britain’s privatised rail system amid concerns delays and chaos are increasing support for Labour’s policy of re-nationalisation.

Growing anger with the performance of the network over timetabling woes and rising fares has prompted the Government to weigh up launching a root-and-branch review of the franchising model.

Such a review, likely headed by an independent figure, would look at how to improve the existing model of private train-operating companies as the Tories look to come up with a coherent answer to Jeremy Corbyn’s plan to return services to public ownership.

However, it is thought some in the Government are reluctant to pull the trigger on the review, because they fear passengers will see it as ministers putting off taking action. Britain’s railway system has gone through a tumultuous period with the collapse of the East Coast Main Line franchise, timetabling woes and the recent announcement of delays to the Crossrail project.

Any review would be tasked with coming up with ways of improving the rail network without abandoning the private franchising model. Downing Street is believed to be contemplating whether an overall inquiry would prove more effective than looking separately at issues including franchising as well as fares and timetabling.

Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, is thought to be sympathetic to the idea of a review, but a final decision is yet to be taken.

Labour seized on the reports as evidence the Government was “blind to the best solution for improving the UK’S railway”, namely public ownership.

Andy Mcdonald, the shadow transport secretary, said: “Long suffering rail passengers don’t need a review to explain to them that the franchising system is broken beyond repair.”