Seems to me from the past that anything run by the Government or it's representatives via nationalisation provides the opportunity to be inefficient and loss making.
I have no proof to hand to justify this assertion numerically but I'm sure that someone could dig up some supporting evidence from somewhere.
In the meantime, I get the feeling it's a bit like having something repaired. "Is it under guarantee or insured?" the repairer asks. If yes, then the cost can be higher as the establishment, insurance company, will pay and we all share the cost through increased premiums. If no, then the individual is paying so the quote maybe lower.
So, is Labour's plan, if elected, to nationalise the railways a good idea or is it the acquisition of an expensive, loss making lame duck which we'll all subsidise? Consequently no profit and another burden on our working population.
I believe our Government should be buying into major shares of profitable utilities as well as Stock Markets listed companies. Run our country like a major institutional, international profit making business. Excess income could then support our economy, care and benefit systems while reducing individual tax burdens.
Do we do this already? I believe China, countries in the middle east and America do.
What do you think?
Twithay?