Those of us old enough remember that things were far from perfect in the era of British Rail. However, things were simpler in those days without all these franchises.

Jonathan Coombe, Tenbury Wells

Because I believe the basics in modern life should be state-owned and run for the good of the people, not profit for the rich.

Thomas Ingall, Bury St Edmunds

Over-priced horrible trains ran for fat cats and not for the public good.

Patrick English, Sheffield

It makes no sense to try to introduce competition into what is a natural monopoly that should be run as a public good.

Louis Thorne, Cambridge

Privatisation has made us realise how good British Railways really were. The East Coast line is well run and makes a profit, bringing in money to the Treasury.

John Norman, Ashford

I love British Rail.

Daniel Brown, Prestatyn

Rail is the most extensive and universal form of public transport. So it needs to be publicly owned.

Mauro Ciaccio, Cambridge

Train with standing room only is a joke. Livestock have more rights to travel safely Private companies always check the bottom line and are beholden to shareholders.

Ian Crawford, Leighton Buzzard

Nationalise the railways. It’s the only way forward.

Margaret Pedley, Huddersfield

Let’s drag the rail network into the 21st century with investment in more then hanging plants.

Elaine Craig, Brighton

All major utilities should not be run for the benefit of shareholders.

Neil Friend, Aldershot

Worst service ever currently, not enough staff, shoddy trains (no toilets on some Brighton-Southampton) trains. Cannot guarantee getting to work or getting home again.

Gillian Le Lievre, Chichester

The railways have been messed about since the 90s. Connex and Southern are both awful. BR might not have been great but it was a damn sight better than this.

Victor Meldrew, Shoreham-by-Sea

People before profits, and while we are at it let’s bring back gas, water and electricity too.

Daniel Leslie Leckenby, Cosby

Bring back British Rail now.

Deirdre Robson, Haltwhistle

Let’s hope someone in power is actually listening.

Christine Cowin, London

Before privatisation, British Rail was the second most efficient rail service in the world, second only to Japan.

Peter Slegg

We are giving too much heritage away to private companies. Many more people are travelling by rail these days. Surely it can be run profitably with all of us benefiting.

Jean Pratt, Chesterfield

East Coast Line is making money for the country.

Sonia Drewery, Loughborough

I sign because of daily misery caused by Southeastern railway.

Niamh Mulvey, London

Absolute shambles since privatisation with massive amounts of money going to shareholders instead of being invested in the railway system of the UK.

Mike Dempsey, Glenrothes

I would like to see the rail, water, electricity and gas nationally and not privately owned.

Carole Wheat, Nottingham

We need a centrally owned, planned and co-ordinated rail network, with user friendly rail stations focussed on train travel not supermarkets.

Noel Hibbert, Coventry

Reduce road traffic and fumes. Re-nationalise the rail industry and make trains affordable and efficient.

Jean Smith, Brentwood

I’m definitely in favour of re-nationalising the railway system (what we have left of it in Wales.)

M J Bailey, Carmarthen

Sooner rather than later.

John Hogg, Bradford

I want all utilities re-nationalised too.

Susan Gassaway, Alford

Re-nationalise and lets have a rail system owned by the people for the people with the profits going to the government not private companies.

Joe Laughlin, Keighley

I’m with the campaign. Bring back BR.

Phil Davison, Stratford-upon-Avon

TOCs don’t make huge profits but train leasing (ROSCOs) is rip-off. Dictatorship of DfT mandarins equals slow progress and high fares. Devolve power to regions.

Stephen Waring, Halifax