Commenting on the news that National Express has handed back its East Coast rail franchise, transport economist and director of the RAC Foundation, Professor Stephen Glaister, said:

"Whilst travellers might not see any difference when the franchise transfers to public ownership, this is a disaster for the tax-payer and just one more burden on an already cash-strapped department. The only reason National Express is handing back the service is because it is not financially viable, which does not bode well for ministers who will now have to move money from other vital projects."