MP Chris Webb: I’m campaigning for more direct trains between Blackpool & London as Avanti renationalised
Avanti will transfer to public ownership when its current contract ends in March 2027, bringing one of Britain’s busiest and most important rail networks back under public control.
Avanti West Coast will return to public ownership next year after a government announcement confirmed plans to renationalise the service.
Avanti will transfer to public ownership when its current contract ends in March 2027, bringing one of Britain’s busiest and most important rail networks back under public control.
The government has promised a renewed focus on passengers, reliability and investment for the network.
Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has welcomed the news, saying the change represents an important opportunity to improve the town’s connectivity and strengthen direct services to the capital.
He said: “I’m delighted that this Labour Government is bringing Avanti West Coast back into public ownership. For too long, passengers in Blackpool have had to put up with an unreliable service, cancellations and a lack of the direct connections our town needs.
“I’ve been campaigning hard for more direct trains between Blackpool and London because this isn’t simply about trains – it’s about jobs, investment and growing our local economy.
“Blackpool welcomes millions of visitors every year. We should be making it as easy and affordable as possible for people to get here, and more frequent direct services will mean greater choice and capacity for passengers, helping make rail travel more competitive and affordable.
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“That means making it easier for visitors to come to Blackpool and spend money in our hotels, attractions, restaurants and local businesses, while also giving Blackpool residents better connections to London for work, education, appointments and leisure.”
Alongside the nationalisation, the Government has announced an additional £10 million for power and signalling maintenance, alongside an existing £840 million programme of investment in West Coast Main Line infrastructure.
£50 million will also be invested in improvements at London Euston over the next three years, with a further £10 million for improvements at other West Coast Main Line stations.
“Bringing Avanti into public ownership gives us a real opportunity to put passengers before profit and fight for the service Blackpool deserves – more frequent direct trains to London, greater reliability and more capacity,” Chris Webb continued.
“Our railway helped build Blackpool into Britain’s most famous seaside resort. I want it to play a central role in our town’s future too.
“I’ll continue pushing the Government and the new publicly owned operator for more direct Blackpool–London services, better reliability and affordable fares for local residents and visitors alike.”