RMT also renewed its call for a national railways summit to discuss how the industry will help protect Britain's environment and develop its economy.

"RMT will always welcome new investment in our railway network, and a vision for long-term growth is exactly what we need," Bob Crow, the union's general secretary, said today.

"Emphasis on the rail's environmental role is particularly welcome, but if we are to encourage even more people out of their cars and onto trains that must mean a growing role for every part of the network, including rural rail.

"However, without tackling the basic fault-line in the industry, a huge proportion of any new public investment will end up being absorbed by a privatised structure that is both inefficient and parasitic
"Rail investment is already three times more expensive in real terms today than under public ownership, and more than £800 million of public money is already sucked out of the industry every year by the private sector.

"The idea that the private sector is a massive source of investment is a myth. Every penny spent on our railways comes ultimately from taxpayers or fare-payers, and the public has a right to expect that every penny is spent efficiently on improving the network.

"If the government wants to take rolling-stock procurement in hand and ensure value for money it must end the set-up under which leasing companies make obscene profits - otherwise new trains will simply become yet another vehicle to fleece the industry.

"Private train operators are not motivated by a desire to provide a public service. They want to develop cherry-picked, high-premium, high-profit routes, and that is at odds with the need to see every part of the network, including rural railways, play a growing role.

"If the vision outlined today is not to go the same way as the government's now forgotten ten-year plan, its strategy must include re-integration under public ownership," Bob Crow said.

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For further information please contact Derek Kotz on 07939 595 092