The Passenger Rail Services (Public Ownership) Act is one of the first pieces of legislation to be passed through Parliament by the new government.

It allows ministers to bring train companies back into public ownership when their existing contracts expire.

With Greater Anglia’s original contract having already expired but with a discretionary extension and c2c ending next July, the two companies were still expected to be among the first to be renationalised.

Both companies will follow South Western Railway in returning to public ownership in 2025.

Some have criticized these plans, arguing that public ownership won’t make much difference unless it is combined with investment in railroads.

Labor MPs in the area, however, welcomed the news.

Alice MacDonald, MP for Norwich North, said: “Trains aren’t working for people and that’s what we need to change. Ultimately, this will mean better service for customers. »

Jen Craft, Labor MP for Thurrock, added: “As a frequent c2c commuter, I’m really pleased that this is one of the first franchises to become publicly owned.

“This move will deliver better value for taxpayers and passengers, and puts passengers like me and many of my constituents at the heart of decision-making on the network.”