70% 'back rail renationalisation'

The RMT union has consistently called for public ownership of the rail network

Most people are in favour of returning the railways to public ownership, with just 23% supporting privatisation, according to a poll.

A survey of more than 1,000 people for the Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT), found seven out of 10 of those questioned backed renationalisation.

The state of the railways will be debated by the TUC conference in Liverpool later this week.

The RMT will be calling for support for full rail renationalisation.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said the poll showed the government is "out of step with the voters" on who owns and runs the rail network.

He said: "If Labour are serious about re-engaging with their core supporters, they can prove it by making a bold statement on public ownership of the railways."