Rail renationalisation should reduce delays but may not cut fares, says UK minister

Heidi Alexander refuses to confirm cost of setting up Great British Railways but insists it is lower than fees paid to train operators

The renationalising of train companies will not necessarily bring cheaper rail fares but should reduce cancellations and late trains, the UK transport secretary has suggested.

South Western Railway is to become the first train operator nationalised under the Labour government, ministers announced on Wednesday. Greater Anglia and C2C will also be brought into public ownership next year.