Tories change policy on railways

The Conservatives have admitted their decision to divide the track and train components of the rail network in 1996 was a mistake which increased costs.

Shadow Transport Secretary Chris Grayling will tell a meeting of rail industry figures that his party now supports reintegration.

Mr Grayling, who is launching his party's railways review, will also say the industry lacks clarity. He will add that the Tories do not want a return to a British Rail structure.

Mr Grayling will say new thinking is needed because passenger numbers will increase by 40% in the next seven years.

He told BBC Radio 4: "There is no serious plan for additional capacity, for more trains in which those passengers can travel. The only people who are seriously talking about it are Network Rail who want £7 billion extra of taxpayers' money, on top of the huge amounts of money they are already receiving from government. I think we have to do things differently."

In his speech, he will say the Tories do not intend to take the rail network back into private ownership.

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SOURCE: BBC