SARDINE-TIN commutes and clapped-out trains are the grim legacies of privatisation, unions said yesterday after MPs urged ministers to take responsibility for Britain’s under-resourced railways.

A transport select committee report slammed Christmas chaos at Paddington and King’s Cross stations and expressed concern that Network Rail could not carry out more than one major upgrade at once.

“Network Rail must demonstrate that it can deliver key improvements, such as electrification in the North West and the Great Western Main Line, on time and while still delivering safe and efficient services for all passengers,” committee chairwoman Louise Ellman said.