RAIL unions called on the government today to stop companies “bleeding Britain’s railways dry” and nationalise the system following news that chaotic Northern Rail could be stripped of its franchise.

The train operator, which has provoked the ire of commuters across northern England in the past few years over high levels of cancellations and delays, could be stripped of its franchise.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the Northern Rail franchise will only continue for “a number of months.”