LABOUR is expected to commit to review franchising of the railways if it wins next year's general election despite being told this would be a "cop out".

The issue will be debated at this weekend's policy conference in Milton Keynes, when party leaders and union officials will thrash out details of Labour's election manifesto.

Rail unions have been pressing for renationalisation of franchises when they come up for renewal, arguing it would not cost the taxpayer a penny.

Discussions have come to a head in recent days and it is understood that an agreement has now been reached.

Unions have been arguing that passengers are being "ripped off" with high fares as well as high levels of public subsidy to private train operators.

It is understood that Labour will pledge to review the franchising process, citing the success of the East Coast service since it was run by a not for dividend operator.

A public sector operator would be able to bid against private firms under Labour's plans.

Network Rail could also be given greater responsibility for long-term planning on procurement and the leasing of new rolling stock.

Labour has also been urged to follow its pledge to cap energy prices by extending the idea to rail fares.

Mick Cash, acting general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, which is not affiliated to Labour, said: " We have only seen vague reports so far on these suggested Labour rail franchising plans but what we have seen looks like a total cop out.

"RMT wants to see the entire rail network taken back into public ownership, closing the door on two decades of greed and exploitation.

"That position is supported by 70% of the British people.

"No doubt the wealthy train companies would use their cash piles to rig any changes to the franchising system in their favour.

"The only workable solution is to take the whole lot back under public control."

Mr Cash also warned that passenger protests and transport strikes were likely ahead of next year's general election, provoked by inflation-busting fare rises and service cuts.

"Passengers and staff alike are fed up to the back teeth with an industry which makes millions in profits while hiking up fares, cutting services and threatening jobs," he said.

"The government seems hell-bent on de-staffing rail and Tube stations, closing ticket offices and slashing safety-critical staff, and the bus industry is being strangled by the same profiteers who have syphoned billions out of our railways.

"I believe that many passengers are at the end of their tether, and if the politicians won't listen the likeliest outcome is strike action and passenger protests in the run-up to the general election."

© Press Association 2014