Major rail operator gives exact date it will be nationalised by government

A major rail operator has said it will be nationalised later this year as part of Labour's plans to bring the entire system back into public ownership.

Greater Anglia, which runs trains across the East of England and into London, said it would be brought into public ownership on October 12. Martin Beable, the company's managing director, said the firm would "remain focused" on delivering its services.

Mr Beable said: "I am very proud of what we have achieved here in East Anglia over the past 13 years, significantly improving standards, investing in a complete fleet of new trains and working closely with the local community."

The government has promised to gradually nationalise all rail firms within five years as part of a promise to fix the broken service.

A Department for Transport spokesperson, said: “Bringing services into public ownership as contracts expire will enable us to join up track and train and deliver the best value for taxpayers in the longer term"

“We’re already improving services and will save up to £150 million a year in fees — money that will not go back to private shareholders.

“We’re working closely with operators to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for passengers.”

* This is a breaking news story. Follow us on , , , , or visit homepage.

We'll be bringing you the latest updates on this Breaking Politics News story.

Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story Get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox by .

Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following The every time you see our name.

• Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community -

• Follow The Mirror on Google News - and click the star

• Follow The Mirror on Apple News - available on Apple devices

• Follow The Mirror on Flipboard - and click follow

You can sign up for alerts for breaking news here and follow us for all the latest updates.

Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on at . See all our social accounts you can follow here:

READ MORE: