Lilian Greenwood MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to the publication of the National Rail Passenger Survey, said:

“These figures prove that the rushed sell-off of East Coast was a mistake that failed to put passengers first. East Coast delivered record passenger satisfaction and punctuality scores under public ownership and returned over £1 billion to taxpayers.

“However satisfaction has tumbled since the service was privatised last March and passengers say that they are now getting worse value for money.  The Conservatives rushed the sell-off through as part of a wider attempt to end the public sector’s involvement in the railways and passengers are paying the price.”