Local MP Quizzes Secretary of State for Transport on the Future of the West Coast Main Line

Tamworth’s MP, Christopher Pincher, in the House of Commons this week intervened on the new Sectary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, about the future of the Future of the West Coast Main Line (WCML) during a ministerial statement on the franchise.

Mr Pincher said, “Commuters in Tamworth will be relieved to hear that at least my Rt Hon. Friend knows where his Department is.  Will he make clear the steps he can take to ensure that the next round of franchises are not unduly delayed?  In particular, can original requests for proposals made by bidders who choose to tender again be requested again so that the review process is expedited?”

Mr McLoughlin Responded by stating, “I can assure my Hon. Friend that I am very keen to get on with franchising, but he would expect me to wait for the recommendations of the Brown report and the Government to respond to it in a measured and appropriate way.  I can give him the assurance he seeks: I am very keen to get on with franchising.”

Later Mr Pincher commented, “This is good news for commuters of Tamworth who rely on the line on a daily basis.  It is reassuring to know that the government has acted quickly to ensure no service disruption whilst for the recommendations of the Brown report into the tender process failure.  This is a sensible approach to ensure that the best bidder wins and that the trains continue to run.”