BRISTOL TO LONDON RAIL LINE ELECTRIFICATION

Early day motion 979, tabled 4 March 2009 by Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes that the Great Western main railway line uses diesel trains originally brought into service in the 1970s and designed to travel at 125 miles per hour; believes that in the 21st century modern rolling stock travelling at higher speeds than those envisaged 40 years ago is a reasonable expectation for passengers; and further believes that the journey should be along a sustainable electrified line and that investment in high-speed rail for the West Country and other regions is preferable to an unsustainable expansion of aviation and a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 19, Labour 7.