NORTHERN rail operations are to remain under public ownership and control for the next five years, prompting calls from RMT today for the renationalisation of all railway services.

The government decided today to extend the public ownership of Arriva-owned Northern after it was taken back in March last year.

The rail union pointed out that the Department for Transport decision came on the same day it was revealed that private operators were taking 15p of every pound spent on fares as profits.