Jim McMahon MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to reports rail services will be axed by half, said:

“The Government must ensure that transport services are being run in such a way that the essential workers using them, as well as staff, are kept safe.

“The bailout of the rail industry is expected to exceed £9bn and ministers cannot continue to shift the financial burden onto the taxpayer while guaranteeing private companies’ profits.

“The Government needs to come up with a long-term plan to ensure the industry can recover, while providing value for money for those who rely on it.”