Avanti to be nationalised 'to build railway that actually works for people'

Avanti West Coast will be nationalised as of March next year, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced.

It is currently run by First Trenitalia West Coast Rail, who were given the contract in October 2023 to run services on the West Coast Mainline until 2032 at the latest, but the government is exercising a termination right in the contract to end it in March 2027.

The government will take over services at that point, which Labour says will mean the West Coast services will be "run in the interests of passengers, not private sector shareholders".

"From 7 March, taxpayers will no longer be paying fees to a private operator. Instead, every penny will be spent for the benefit of passengers," the party said.

It is part of the government's efforts to nationalise most passenger rail services in the UK and run them under the new Great British Railways (GBR) brand.

In its press release, Labour said nationalisation will mean fewer delays and cancellations thanks to a £10m investment in power and signalling maintenance, faster and more reliable services, upgraded facilities at Euston, and more stable internet connection on board trains.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said passengers had been "failed" by Avanti's service "time and time again".

Speaking of the decision to nationalise Avanti, the PM said in a post on X: "We're putting essential services back in public hands and building a railway that actually works for the people who use it."

More from Sky News:
The factors fuelling inflation
Stand off over Northern Ireland parade - everything we know

Ms Alexander said: "For years, we've heard stories of Avanti underperforming, with passengers left paying the price.

"Enough is enough. That is why we will bring Avanti into public ownership at the earliest opportunity, in March next year.

"This Labour Government is committed to putting essential services back in public hands, connecting people to opportunity and delivering growth in every postcode and this move reflects that commitment.

"We will also introduce a comprehensive improvement plan, focused on delivering for passengers, not shareholders."

Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said: "We're proud of what we've achieved over the last six years - from refurbishing our Pendolino fleet and introducing our new Evero trains to running more services than ever before.

"Together, these improvements have given customers greater choice, more capacity and better connectivity, while we've continued to innovate to shape the future of the West Coast and wider rail industry.

"Over the coming months, we'll work closely with the government to ensure a seamless transition into public ownership while remaining focused on delivering for our customers and communities."

(c) Sky News 2026: Avanti to be nationalised 'to build railway that actually works for people'