EAST COAST MAINLINE

That this House notes that Virgin-Stagecoach who operate East Coast mainline railway are in breach of financial covenants and will shortly be unable to continue to provide this service; further notes that this is the third time a private operator has failed to live up to its commitments on this service route; notes that in contrast previously, under public ownership, East Coast achieved record levels of passenger satisfaction; supports the RMT union's call for the jobs and conditions of rail workers affected to be fully protected and underwritten; and urges the Government immediately and permanently to take back into public ownership East Coast mainline, with the need for good customer service enshrined within its remit.