Rail workers will lead protests on Monday against an impending two-tier service on key intercity routes.

Expensive new Intercity Express Programme trains, which are set to be introduced on the Great Western and East Coast main lines from next year, will be built without buffet cars — hot food and meals will only be available in first class.

Other passenger will suffer cramped carriages served only by a trolley with instant coffee and basic snacks.

Rail union RMT, which is also concerned that guards and maintenance staff will be laid off when the trains are introduced, is leading a series of events to raise awareness of the proposals.

Union and passenger activists will start a series of demonstrations from 7am on Monday at London Paddington, Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter, Plymouth and Swansea.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “This government of the rich, for the rich and by the rich now intend to introduce an Upstairs-Downstairs service on Britain’s long-haul rail services, which would condemn the vast majority to pay through the nose to travel in rammed-out carriages where the catering trolley is jammed at one end while the elite glide through the country like extras from Downton Abbey.

“This move has got the stamp of Cameron, Osborne and the posh boys from the Bullingdon Club plastered all over it. RMT believes that all rail users deserve a high-quality service and that means employing the staff to deliver that rather than cutting corners to maximise profits and targeting what’s left at the rich.”

Mr Cash’s costume-drama references echo TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady, who last September blasted the Con-Dem government for creating a “Downton Abbey Britain.”