The campaign to bring about an increase in track capacity on the West Anglia line is still ongoing.  I remain Chair of the Task Force and I am pleased to say that we have played a full part in a line study undertaken by Network Rail.  Its report is now in the hands of the Department for Transport.

I am fully in favour of rail projects needed in the Midlands and the North if the Government’s levelling-up ambitions are to be met.  Nevertheless the Eastern Region has needs as well if its important contribution to the national economy is to be maintained.

The study of the West Anglia line has not yet been published, but what I can say is that it demonstrates how a step-by-step approach might be the affordable way of advancing the improvements that are so necessary if this railway is to meet growing need as we emerge from the pandemic.

At least and at last we have the gradual arrival of sleek new trains.