Britain’s rail system is braced for a new wave of anger from politicians and the public after it emerged that operators owned by European governments are lining up to bid for more franchises.

The Government has granted bidding rights to a trio of continental train companies from countries where foreign operators are frozen out.

It means just six out of 18 rail operators eligible to bid for franchises such as Great Western and Cross Country are British.

The furore comes as Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, faces intense pressure over the very fabric of the franchising system in the wake of the East Coast mainline controversy.