Labour, under Keir Starmer, intends to nationalize UK railways within five years if elected.

Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh unveiled the plan to merge 14 private rail firms into Great British Railways.

The consolidation aims to reduce waste by approximately £2.2 billion each year.

Louise Haigh has been a strong proponent of taking railways into public ownership.

Despite opposition from the current rail minister and industry groups, Labour's proposal allows for continued private investment in railways.

Labour views the nationalization as a vital modernization step for the UK's rail system.