Rail operator linking London to Birmingham, the north-west and Glasgow had highest number of cancellations across network

Avanti West Coast will be renationalised in spring, as prime minister Andy Burnham declares “enough is enough” for passengers who have put up with a rail service “that has failed them time and time again”.

The rail operator, which is one of the worst in the country for train delays and cancellations, will come under public ownership from March when its contract ends.