A transport minister has told angry commuters that 'ironing board' seats on new trains will become more comfortable with use.

Jo Johnson made this claim in the House of Commons when conservative MP Iain Stewart asked about the seats, which have markedly less padding than those on older trains, on behalf of his commuting constituents.

Mr Stewart asked: "It is wonderful that so many new technologically superior trains are being introduced on Britain’s railways, but many passengers are complaining that some of them have cramped and uncomfortable seats. We do not want to have Ryanair on the tracks.

"Will the Minister do all he can to ensure that the specifications for those new trains have passenger comfort at their heart?"

The minister responded: "Train seating is required to address the comfort of passengers and to conform to relevant design standards, including on fire safety and crashworthiness.