SIR – I see that Keiran Preston of the Leeds City Region has said “That the Government needs to invest more in the railways” (T&A, June 29).

He gives reasons for this, which may be founded or unfounded. However, it seems to have been forgotten that we were “sold a pup”, when the railways were privatised. The Tory government sold us on the idea that investment would come from the private sector and not the taxpayer.

I never believed this from day one, as one only has to ask the question, why were they nationalised in the first place?

It was because under private ownership the railways did not get the investment, nor could they make a profit and give a service without Government finance.

So if we are to start investment in the railways, it is also time to nationalise. At least that way the taxpayers’ money will go into the infrastructure, rather than propping up profits for the shareholders.

A G Goldsbrough, Leeds Road, Ilkley