The East Coast rail line must be re-privatised because it is the “worst” in the country, the rail minister told MPs yesterday.

Simon Burns denied Labour allegations that the decision was “political or ideological” – to end state ownership before the next General Election, in 2015.

Instead, Mr Burns pointed to rail performance figures, which showed 82.8 per cent of East Coast trains – linking Leeds and London – arrived on time in the year to March, down from 90.6 per cent in 2011-12.

And he said: “In difficult circumstances, the East Coast has performed reasonably well in providing a continuity of service.

“But I think the problem is that it is plateauing. What it needs is an infusion of innovation and a stimulus, which I believe only the private sector can do.

“If you look at the latest monthly figures for reliability and punctuality, they are the worst of the 19 rail franchises.”

Supporters of public ownership argue that delays are caused by track problems – the responsibility of Network Rail, rather than state-run Directly Operated Railways.

Lucy Powell, a Labour backbencher, alleged: “This is a political decision. It is the West Coast main line that has been plateauing for some time now.”

Mr Burns said: “This is not ideological. It’s what is in the best interests of taxpayers and, above all, of passengers.”