After what has been described as months of cancellations, Transpennine Express will not have its current contract renewed, and instead be brought under government control. This will now be the fourth railway to see such measures since 2018.

The government said: "The decision follows months of significant disruption and regular cancellations across TransPennine Express's network, which has resulted in a considerable decline in confidence for passengers who rely on the trains to get to work, visit family and friends and go about their daily lives."

A backlog of recruitment and training, as well as drivers opting out of working overtime have been cited as reasons for the disruption. The railway, which operates across the North of England and in parts of Scotland, will be brought under government control from the 28 of May.