Labour is moving quickly to demonstrate its socialist credentials by adopting legislation that will renationalise Britain's railways before the next general election.

The intentions to return "broken" private rail ownership to the public sector would imply a nationalization campaign unprecedented since Margaret Thatcher forcefully privatised the railways in the 1980s.

Shadow transport secretary fails to rule out fare increases under rail nationalisation scheme. Receive our free View from Westminster email. Sign up. I would like to receive emails from The Independent on special deals, events, and updates. Read our privacy policy. Labour is moving quickly to demonstrate its socialist credentials by adopting legislation that will renationalise Britain's railways before the next general election. The plans to return "broken" private rail ownership to the public sector would imply a nationalisation scheme unprecedented since Margaret Thatcher forcefully privatised the railways in the 1980s. Rail lines will be returned to public ownership when contracts with operators expire, according to legislation that will be presented to MPs on Monday. New Transportation Secretary

Allies of Ms Haigh have said the bill is part of a “radical agenda which has not been picked up in the media” and proves doubters of Labour’s socialist credentials wrong. Legislation enabling communities to take control of local buses will be introduced later in the parliament.