REJECTION OF RAIL PASSENGER PARTNERSHIP BID FOR EAST-WEST RAIL LINK

Motion Text

That this House condemns the decision of the Strategic Rail Authority, after two years of negotiations, to decline the Rail Passenger Partnership bid for the proposed East-West Rail Link, known as Phase 1 West, which had been intended to become operative next year; notes with concern the fact that this vital new section of railway infrastructure, which would have provided a much-needed, convenient, popular and long called for cross-country link, will now be further delayed; further notes that the decision and its consequences undermine the Government's stated commitment to delivering new services and encouraging increased use of the railways; and calls on the Government to fully support and promote further negotiations with a view to this project going ahead as soon as possible.