►►An East Coast inter-city 125 diesel train Picture: Wikimedia◀◀

Rail campaigners and trade unionists are banding together to oppose the Government's plans to "sell off" the East Coast train service.

They say East Coast, which is currently run by the Department for Transport's Directly Operated Railways, has out-performed its private competitors such as Virgin Trains.

Leaving East Coast in the public sector is also better for the taxpayer because it has paid more to the Treasury than the private franchises.

"East Coast provides a good service, is reliable and punctual, gives a good return to the Treasury and the staff are well motivated," said Matt Dykes of the TUC. "Why is the Government hell-bent on privatising it?"

The campaigners say that East Coast is a beacon for the public sector and is an argument for public sector control to be extended in organisations such as the National Health Service and other other essential services. Reversing rail privatisation could save £12 billion a year which could fund a cut in fares of 18%.

The fight against re-privatisation of East Coast is being led by Action for Rail, which is funded by the unions and involves a coalition of groups including the Campaign against Climate Change. Action for Rail is planning a series of protests to coincide with the 20th anniversary of rail privatisation.

On Thursday 18 July 2013, activists from the RMT union staged regional events, mainly at local rail stations.

On Thursday 1 August 2013, Action for Rail will take the lead in a series of events which were prompted by plans for a Yorkshire Day of Action to coincide with Yorkshire Day. Between 08.00 and 09.00 there will be demonstrations and leafleting at Newcastle, Darlington, Durham, York, Leeds, Doncaster, Newark, Peterborough, Stevenage and King's Cross. At Wakefield Westgate it will be from 07.30. More info at: actionforrail at tuc.org.uk

Then on Tuesday 13 August 2013, the Trades Union Congress will stage a national day of action in support of public ownership in general.

Privatisation generally leads to higher costs, cuts in staff, higher fares, a poorer service and cuts in ticket office hours, said James Croy of the RMT union. Customers fear for their safety when stations are not staffed. Trackside workers are worried that safety is being impaired by cuts.

In 2009, DOR was brought in to run the East Coast main line after National Express abandoned its contract. DOR has improved services, and has paid £602 million to the Treasury in premium payments, more than National Express ever did and £209 million more than Virgin/Stagecoach has paid since 2009-10.

East Coast is virtually subsidy-free. Public subsidy accounts for only 1.2% of its income, compared to an average of 32% for private operators.

RMT says it would be reckless of the Government to gamble at taxpayers' expense by trying to make it private yet again.

Action for Rail is urging people to contact their MPs to oppose cuts in ticket office hours.

The TUC is also planning a climate change conference on 21 October 2013.

A separate Bring Back British Rail campaign, led by Ellie Harrison, has amassed 40,000 supporters on its Facebook page.

Last month, Green MP Caroline Lucas, who is a Railfuture vice president, introduced an Early Day Motion in Parliament calling for public ownership of the railways.

More info: Action for Rail

Email your MP: AfR

Bring Back British Rail

Background: BBC feature