East Coast Rail line could be privatised

The state-owned East Coast rail line that runs services between Edinburgh and London could soon be put back into private hands.

It would pave the way for Virgin Group boss Sir Richard Branson to bid to take control of it.

The Department of Transport has indicated it will return the franchise to the private sector as soon as is practically 
possible.

Since re-nationalisation, the route has been one of the most profitable and has delivered £640 million in premium payments to the government.