Private TOCs on borrowed time

Labour’s plan for Britain’s railways confirms intention to bring all franchised operations in-house
 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh, pictured on a visit to Hitachi
 When the new South West Trains and Great Western franchises commenced on February 4, 1996, they became the first private sector-operated rail franchises in the UK. It marked the beginning of a new era, but one that Labour has confirmed will end if it wins the next gene