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

Early day motion 559, tabled 12 December 2001 by Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 8 members.

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.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 5, Labour 2, Conservative 1.