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MPs debate future of East Coast Mainline

A debate regarding the future of the East Coast Mainline is taking place in the House of Commons on Wednesday

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Full report: MPs debate future of East Coast mainline

Labour MPs have today accused the government of privatising the East Coast Mainline service just for the sake of it.

The line has been nationalised since 2009 because private companies could not make it profitable. Since then it has achieved record passenger satisfaction and made money.

Today MPs from across the North East joined a debate to stop ministers selling off the franchise again.

Our Political Correspondent Paul Brand reports:

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Future of East Coast Mainline up for discussion

The future of East Coast rail is up for discussion in Parliament later. Credit: Martin Keene/PA Archive/Press Association Images

The future of East Coast rail is up for discussion in Parliament today, June 5.

Two months ago, the government invited firms to bid for the franchise. It is three years since they took over the running of the line when National Express pulled out.

Labour MPs are urging the government to abandon what they say is an unnecessary and costly privatisation plan on the East Coast Mainline.

Shadow Transport Sec urges Government to abandon privatisation plan

Speaking ahead of today's debate in the House of Commons regarding the future of the East Coast Mainline, Labour's Shadow Transport Secretary, Maria Eagle MP said:

"Ministers must keep East Coast on track by abandoning this unnecessary and costly privatisation. Since being run on a not for private profit basis, East Coast services have improved and more than £800million has been returned to tax-payers in contrast to the two previous failed private operators.

"Labour MPs have forced this parliamentary debate to speak up for East Coast passengers and raise our concerns about the likely consequences of this misguided privatisation. We will be stepping up our campaign over the coming weeks and urge all passengers to back our efforts to keep the East Coast on track."

– Maria Eagle MP, Shadow Transport Secretary

MPs to discuss future of East Coast Mainline

East Coast trains at Newcastle Central Station Credit: Martin Keene/PA Archive/Press Association Images

MPs are holding a parliamentary debate in the House of Commons this afternoon to discuss the future of the East Coast Mainline.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald is leading the discussions in an attempt to urge the Government to abandon plans to privatise the railway transport link.

The East Coast Mainline, which runs between London and Edinburgh, has been operated by the Department for Transport since 2009 after the collapse of previous franchise, National Express East Coast. However, earlier this year the Government announced it would invite bids for a new franchise.

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