THAMESLINK PROGRAMME

That this House notes the importance of the Thameslink Programme to the improvement of passenger rail services crossing London from towns and cities north and south of the capital; congratulates the Government on its decision to fund this scheme following long delays caused in part by the privatisation of the railways; recognises that many hundreds of construction workers are currently employed by Network Rail on the project; looks forward to the enhanced travel opportunities and the economic and environmental benefits which will flow from the completed network; welcomes the news that the existing Thameslink train fleet will be refurbished and redeployed to provide improved electric rail services in the North West of England and elsewhere; and calls on the Government to announce before the Easter adjournment, the winner of the order for new Thameslink trains, whilst ensuring that these are manufactured in the United Kingdom.