Labour nationalises second train company
Operator c2c, which runs services between London Fenchurch Street and south Essex, was taken into public ownership on Sunday.
It had been controlled by Italy's state-owned rail company Trenitalia since 2017.
DfT (Department for Transport) Operator, which manages services under public control on behalf of the UK Government, said tickets previously purchased will remain valid.
It added that fares are 'not changing as a direct result of the transfer'.
Whether you're shopping in Lakeside or walking along the beach in Southend-on-Sea, from today you will be able to get there on a train service run by the public, for the public.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander
The overall passenger satisfaction rating for c2c was 89% in the most recent research by watchdog Transport Focus.
This was the joint sixth best performance out of 22 operators.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'Whether you're shopping in Lakeside or walking along the beach in Southend-on-Sea, from today you will be able to get there on a train service run by the public, for the public.
'Public ownership is already tackling deep-rooted problems we see on the railway that's led to spiralling costs, fragmentation and waste.
'A unified network under Great British Railways will take this further with one railway under one brand with one mission – delivering excellent services for passengers wherever they travel.'
GBR is an upcoming public sector body that will oversee Britain's rail infrastructure and train operation.
Ernesto Sicilia, managing director at Trenitalia UK, said: 'As the franchise moves to public ownership, we acknowledge both the progress made and the ongoing challenges of unifying a fragmented rail industry.
'In the meantime, we will continue to support and deliver services on the Avanti West Coast franchise until it too transitions to public ownership in 2026.
'While our role as operator is ending, our dedication to sharing knowledge, supporting innovation and fostering collaboration remains unchanged.
'We recognise that building a resilient and integrated rail network takes time and Trenitalia is determined to play a constructive part in that journey.'
South Western Railway became the first operator brought into public ownership by the Labour Government in May.
It joined Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeastern and LNER, which were nationalised under the Conservative government because of performance failings by the former owners of those franchises.
The next operator to be nationalised will be Greater Anglia on October 12.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Dark underbelly of UK's new City of Culture plagued by soaring unemployment, ‘spiced-up' druggies & ‘roaming XL Bullies'
CLOSED shops litter the ailing high street and "spiced up" junkies stumble around like zombies or openly inject drugs in dingy doorways. Bradford - this year's UK City of Culture - has a dark underbelly of high unemployment, petty crime and illegal substance abuse. 19 It comes after The Sun laid bare the UK's unemployment capitals, with the Labour government telling thousands of Brits: those who can work should get a job. In May, the West Yorkshire city had 26,070 people claiming unemployment benefits, a rise on not only this time last year but also the previous month. Outside of London, it's only behind Birmingham (10.6%) and Luton (7.7%) for joblessness stats. Known as the "wool capital of the world" in its Victorian boom era, it's had a sad fall from grace. Locals complain that jobs are hard to find as high street stores, banks, and pubs close. JOB CENTRE Former ventilation fitter Timmy worked on the Broadway Shopping Mall opposite the Jobcentre before he was sent to prison and lost his livelihood. 'I've gone to the Jobcentre today because I've just got out of jail and want to get back to work,' he told The Sun. 'I'm normally self-employed, I'm a skilled air conditioning ventilation fitter, but it's looking to be pretty hard finding work in Bradford at the moment. The UK's top 10 unemployment hotspots This data, compiled by the ONS, shows the percentage of people in the Claimant Count for unitary and local authorities in the UK. The Claimant Count refers to the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits, primarily Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit, who are required to seek work. Birmingham (10.6%) Newham (8.5%) Barking and Dagenham (8.5%) Haringey (8.2) Brent (8.2%) Enfield (7.8%) Luton (7.7%) Bradford (7.5%) Hackney (7.5%) Waltham Forest (7.4%) Lewisham (7.3%) Wolverhampton (7.3%) Ealing (7.2%) Sandwell (7.2%) Tower Hamlets (7.2%) Oldham 7.0 % Croydon (6.9%) Slough (6.6%) Redbridge (6.5%) Lambeth (6.5%) 'Most of my work would be away from the city anyway. I've got all my tickets, fork-lift licence, driving licence, wagon driving licence, etc. 'I'm obviously looking for work but it is not easy. 'Them lot in the Jobcentre are offering jobs on basic wages in factories and stuff, but I'm skilled and I have a trade.' Unemployment in Bradford represents a 7.5 per cent rate, according to the latest figures. That is an increase of 230 claimants compared to the previous month and 420 compared to May 2024. The UK unemployment rate for people aged 16+ was 4.7 per cent in March-May 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics. Darley Street Market A recent boon for Bradford is the state-of-the art Darley Street Market, which opened its doors last weekend. The new market was buzzing with vendors and customers alike during The Sun's visit, and it had a vibrant atmosphere. It also has provided work for many Bradfordians, including Demi-Leigh Turner, 24, who is delighted to be behind the counter at Jake's Bakehouse in the market having been unemployed prior to its opening. 'It's brilliant to be working there and we are really busy,' said Demi-Leigh. 'It has been hard work, there is a lot of footfall at the market, but I'm loving it. 19 19 19 'This is a real success story for Bradford. Everybody in there is happy.' However, just outside the market on a street bench on Darley Street was a "spiced-up" man in a drugged-up stupor, making an upsetting and unnerving sight for shoppers and parents with young children. Up the road, towards the old Oastler Shopping Centre and Market, which is now shuttered up due to the new relocation, there are down-and-outs hanging around. Two scruffy and skeletal men were wandering the streets, roll-up in hand and accompanied by a pair of XL bully-type dogs, off their leash. Another seemingly homeless guy was trying to flog a TV to passers-by. Bradford as City of Culture 2025 Bradford was named the UK City of Culture for 2025 due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse communities and innovative spirit. The designation was given by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. It means the West Yorkshire city gains access to funding to improve its infrastructure and arts facilities, and will continue to host events until the end of the year. Bradford won their bid in May 2022, beating County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough. More than a million people have engaged with the city's Culture projects so far this year, according to organisers. Its outdoor opening ceremony featured a performance by magician Stephen Frayne. The UK City of Culture programme began in 2013. Approaching our reporter with the screen in his arms, he asked for £10 for the goods. Beggers linger at traffic lights on busy junctions intimidating waiting motorists into handing over cash. And junkies openly take drugs in dingy shop doorways and litter-strewn alleyways before crashing out on benches or seeking out another store to shoplift. On Kirkgate, a once bustling shopping street, numerous loafers were hanging about swigging booze from cans and shouting at each other. One man had emptied the industrial bin beside the British Heart Foundation charity store and was messily rummaging through its contents. 19 19 19 A charity shop volunteer said:'He doesn't care if he is making a mess. He is often doing this to look for things to sell on to buy drugs. 'He is very aggressive on some days. 'As soon as we put the bins out he is at them. He's after the coat hangers, they might fetch him a few quid." There was a distinct absence of any police officers patrolling the city centre. Cops raid large cannabis farm in landmark building By Mark Lister POLICE found a large cannabis farm at a landmark Bradford city centre building over the weekend. West Yorkshire Police were called to reports of a burglary at Sunwin House on Sunday. On arrival, a large cannabis farm was found. A 36-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of class B, remains in police custody. Enquiries remain ongoing at the scene. Police attention has been focused on the side of the building, near Goit Side, with several force vehicles and an extensive cordon in place. A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of class B, he remains in police custody at this time. "Police were called to reports of a burglary on Sunbridge Road. "On arrival, officers located a large cannabis farm. Enquiries remain ongoing at the scene." Sunwin House dates back to the 1930s, when it was constructed as a Co-operative emporium. More recently, it was used as a TJ Hughes department store and awarded a Grade II listing for its architectural significance. Since TJ Hughes shut its doors 15 years ago, the building has been mainly empty. But some locals still like the place. Former squaddie Jonny James, 32, was born and bred in Bradford and described living there as 'bloody brilliant'. 'I can't work at the moment though, due to my disability,' he says brandishing his badly scarred left arm which he damaged in a car crash. 'Before the accident I was in the Army, Royal Artillery. I'm on the sick now though. 'I don't mind living in Bradford, it has its good and bad sides, like a lot of places. 19 19 'I love the place because of the people.' Student Madison Kirby, 16, said: "There are not many opportunities for employment in the city centre as all the shops are shutting down. 'There are too many people and not enough jobs in Bradford.' Another student Vanessa Soydere, 18, came to the city from Turkey 13 years ago. 'I hope to find work in Bradford when I have finished my studies,' she said. 'Coming from Turkey to Bradford was obviously a bit different, but I've got used to it now. 'There are obviously some things that go on which are not nice and you do see some sights.' The Sun has approached Bradford City Council for comment. 19 19 19 19 19 19
Metro
6 hours ago
- Metro
Empty shops to be turned into clubs and bars under new government plans
New clubs, bars and cafes will be able to set up in disused shops more easily under government plans to revitalise the 'buzz of the high street'. It is hoped the move will mean long-empty storefronts can welcome new owners with less hassle and expense from red tape. Changes to licensing and planning laws would also mean permission for al fresco dining and street parties can be fast-tracked in dedicated 'hospitality zones'. The move has been welcomed by the Night Time Industries Association, which represents nightlife and music venues around the UK. CEO Michael Kill said: 'Fast-tracking permissions for al fresco dining, extending trading hours, and protecting pavement pints are not just regulatory changes, they're a reaffirmation of Britain's social identity and our unique nightlife culture.' The government has also committed to extending the 'Agent of Change' licensing principle to bring it into effect nationally. Craig Munro breaks down Westminster chaos into easy to follow insight, walking you through what the latest policies mean to you. Sent every Wednesday. Sign up here. This ensures the responsibility for ensuring residents of a new development are not impacted by noise from local pubs or clubs falls to the developer, and not the businesses themselves. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 'This government has a plan to replace shuttered up shops with vibrant places to socialise turning them into thriving cafés or busy bars, which supports local jobs and gives people a place to get together and catch up over a beer or a coffee. 'Red tape has stood in the way of people's business ideas for too long. Today we're slashing those barriers to giving small business owners the freedom to flourish.' Chancellor Rachel Reeves added the 'clunky, outdated rules' dictating what firms can open where will be ditched 'not just for the summer, but all year round'. More Trending But Andrew Griffith, the Conservative Shadow Business Secretary, said the move represented 'pure hypocrisy and inconsistency from Labour'. He said: 'This socialist government is crippling the hospitality industry by doubling business rates, imposing a Jobs Tax and a full-on strangulation of employment red tape. 'As the result, shorter opening hours, shedding jobs and expensive pints are becoming the norm.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Young people are falling through the cracks when it comes to sexual abuse and it's killing them MORE: Five key takeaways from landmark report into UK's 'broken' water industry MORE: WH Smiths stores begin reopening as TG Jones on UK high streets
Scotsman
12 hours ago
- Scotsman
Why John Swinney's £180,000 'sweetener' ahead of Donald Trump talks may not work
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It's not exactly a massive £300 million luxury jetliner – like the one presented to the US by Qatar as a replacement for Air Force One – but John Swinney's announcement that £180,000 of taxpayers' money will go towards a golf tournament at the Trump International course in Aberdeenshire may prove just as controversial, in Scotland at least. However, the timing – just before the First Minister is due to meet Donald Trump – perhaps makes it look worse than it actually is. Had Swinney announced £180,000 for the Nexo Championship, previously the Scottish Championship, at a course unconnected to the current leader of the free world, few would have raised so much as an eyebrow. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Still, it is clearly an attempt to play the US President's game of 'you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours' in the same way as plenty of other countries have been doing in their dealings with Trump. Not that this makes it right. Donald Trump gets in a round of golf at Trump Turnberry following his arrival in Scotland (Picture: Christopher Furlong) | Getty Images 'Hypocritical' Unfortunately, in Scotland's case, there are questions about whether the money will actually have the desired effect, given Swinney's previous negative comments about Trump. Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said Swinney has 'disgracefully condemned President Trump's state visit, and then talked up protests while claiming to welcome him to Scotland'. 'Now he's announced that his government is giving money to a golf course owned by the president during the course of his trip here. That rare support for tourism from the SNP is welcome, but many will see it as a hypocritical and cynical sweetener,' he said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For his part, Swinney said that 'golf and golf events are a key part of our national identity, supporting communities, driving economic growth, contributing to environmental sustainability across the country and promoting Scotland through global profile'. It is a remark that suggests he was trying to come up with every possible reason to justify spending the money. Trump's transactional politics It is probably fair enough, although it is hard to imagine doing something similar for any other US President in the modern era. But Trump's guiding ethos of transactional politics means the need for realpolitik is greater than ever before. When Swinney meets him, he will carry the hopes of Scottish businesses suffering because of Trump's utterly unjustified tariffs.
