THAMESLINK PROGRAMME

That this House emphasises the importance of the Thameslink Programme to economic development by improving cross-London passenger rail services serving towns and cities north and south of the capital; notes that this is one of a number of projects currently subject to scrutiny as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review; recognises that many hundreds of construction workers are and will be employed on the project; looks forward to the enhanced travel opportunities and the economic and environmental benefits which will flow from the completed Thameslink project; welcomes plans for the existing Thameslink train fleet to be refurbished and redeployed to provide improved electric rail services in the North West of England and elsewhere; and calls on the Government to authorise the full and early completion of the Thameslink Programme and to announce before the Christmas adjournment the successful bidder for the order for new Thameslink trains whilst ensuring that these are manufactured in the United Kingdom.