RAIL union RMT urged Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram today to keep his pledge to nationalise Merseyrail.

Councillors are reportedly considering an extension to the current contract held by Merseyrail Electrics 2002, a joint venture between Serco and Transport UK Group, when it expires in 2028.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said an eyewatering £212 million in dividends have been paid out since the contract started in 2003.