The railways were originally nationalised partly because of the lack of integration of all the operators. Re-privatisation has returned us to that chaotic situation.

Donald Holden, Ashford

Since privatisation the taxpayer has never paid as much out to loss-making companies. It makes a mockery of the notion of lower prices, better service.

Brian McKay, Manchester

Rail travel is a monopoly and private industry has no competitive motivation in running the railways. Therefore they do not respond to customer or worker needs.

Alexander McMahon, Mancot, Wales

Bringing back British Rail is the best idea in many a year!

Bob Rosenthal, Blandford

Take it back from companies by asset stripping – just as they would!

Merry Cross, Reading

Shareholders are an expensive tier of cost. It’s time to get rid of them. Look at how much the East Coast mainline has made under public ownership.

John Whitworth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

It’s time the Labour Party made it a manifesto pledge.

Atkins Andy, Leeds

We should look to countries like Japan, Germany and France for ideas on how to run our railways.

Rohan Mehra, Purley

We had the best rail network in the world. Now some of it needs restoring.

Colin McCathie, Derby

It is time to re-nationalise our beloved railways. Year on year passenger numbers are increasing, yet we allow our railways to be controlled by foreign state-owned firms.

Wayne David Hunter, Durham

Give us back what is ours.

Philip Hodge, Middlewich

I wish British Rail will be revived by 2023.

Walternisio Francisco, Rio De Janeiro

There’s a reason why it is called a ‘natural monopoly.’

Chris Davison, Diss

Nationalise Britain’s railway now!

Olaf Sheeran, London

It needs doing now. Re-nationalise the lot.

Ben Huggins, Exeter

Privatisation was an idea that has proven to be a mistake. It’s time this public service was put back to what it used to be.

Sion Ford, Cardiff

Bring back British Rail. Bring it back now.

Richard Owen, Liverpool

Keep up the pressure. British Rail must be better and, hopefully, cheaper than the status quo.

Ann-Marie Redmonds, Huddersfield

How can anyone who uses public transport be against nationalising the railways?!

Ramona Andrews, London

Renationalisation is long overdue. The demand is growing. Perhaps even the cowardly Miliband will acknowledge that the stance of the Labour Party is pitiful

Christopher Richardson, Nottingham

Yes, I agree to the re-forming of good old British Rail.

Alan Pattison, Manchester

Privatisation has failed abysmally. It has been a complete failure. There is a groundswell of opinion in favour of re-nationalising. Now is the time.

Graham Lamont, Edinburgh

Railways should be the best form of public transport. They should be efficient, reasonably priced and a public service, not a commercial carcase for stripping.

Charlotte Reader, Clacton-on-Sea

Bring back British Rail.

Jane Mitchell, Shrewsbury

Late trains, no seats, constant and unjustified price increases since privatisation.

Daniel Zlupko, Manchester

Unity is strength.

Ralph Dyson, Doncaster

The first priority for private companies is their shareholders who want a profit. Nationalise the railways and make them profitable for tax-payers.

Eve Luddington, Chapel Allerton

Another wonderful institution built by the people for the people. Keep it decent. Keep it affordable!

Vivienne E Heatley, London

It wasn’t theirs to sell, and profit has pushed out service and safety. Bring it back into public hands.

Steve Thomas, Cheltenham